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Gerhard AignerGerman footballer and football official
Date of Birth: 01.09.1943
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Education and UEFA Career
- UEFA Champions League and Russian Football
- Post-UEFA Career and Legacy
Early Life and Career
German Footballer and RefereeGerhard Aigner, a German footballer and football administrator, began his playing career with SSV Jahn Regensburg in Germany. He also represented the Swiss clubs FC Moutier and FC Muri Bern. From 1963 to 1966, Aigner served as a football referee.
Education and UEFA Career
Economist and UEFA General SecretaryAigner holds a degree in economics and also has Swiss citizenship. He joined UEFA in October 1969 and rose through the ranks, becoming General Secretary in 1989. He held this position until December 2003.
UEFA Champions League and Russian Football
Architect of the Champions League and Opponent of Soviet LegacyAigner played a pivotal role in establishing the inaugural season of the UEFA Champions League. In 2001, he was among the first to advocate for the elimination of the second group stage and the introduction of playoff rounds, which debuted in the 2003/04 season. Aigner initially opposed recognizing the Russian national team as the successor to the USSR team in 1992, but was persuaded by FIFA Vice-President Vyacheslav Koloskov and UEFA President Lennart Johansson.
Post-UEFA Career and Legacy
Euro-Sportring and UEFA Honorary MemberAfter leaving UEFA, Aigner joined the council of Euro-Sportring, a non-profit European organization that organizes competitions for youth teams and amateur clubs. He was also an honorary member of UEFA and a recipient of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Aigner passed away on June 20, 2024.
