Lennart Johansson, president of UEFA, has said he will not be standing for another term in 2007.
Johansson, who has been UEFA president since 1990 and turned 76 last November, told the Greek magazine K: “It is time for me to step down and let someone else take on the responsibility. It is time for me to go fishing.”
“I still feel surprised by how long I have occupied the role but time is passing by,” he said.
“I can say that I see enough people with the knowledge and capability to do it but I don’t want to support anyone specific.”
In the absence of Johansson, the race looks likely to be a run off between former French international Michel Platini and German legend Franz Beckenbauer.
Johansson has his own idea about the type of person he feels is best equipped to run the organisation.
“He should be capable of negotiating, be democratic and be able to keep a low profile – he must not have a big idea of himself as a personality. He also needs a lot of ideas, good partners, a bit of luck and a good sense of humour,” he added.
Subscribe to World Soccer – The essential football magazine
