Evelina Christillin, farewell to UEFA and FIFA: the interview

“When one of the FIFA he complained because the evening before the Council he had ‘eaten in an unacceptable restaurant’, I understood why action had to be taken. It was the post-Blatter FIFA, a turning point was needed and Infantino was aware of it.” In 2016 Fifa and UEFA were falling apart. Evelina Christillin, an Italian executive, president of the Egyptian Museum of Turin, and a friend of the Agnelli family, was elected in the new Executives.

After nine years, he decided not to run for a third term in Nyon and Zurich. Why did it end?

“Meanwhile I’m getting old. Then in 2021, on the evening of the Super League proclamation, in Montreux, I was already ready to leave: many thought that I knew, almost a fifth column of Juve. Ceferin asked me to stay. I replied, ‘Just one mandate.’ Finally, 2025 was supposed to be the year in which I would have finished with football, banks and the Museum where I will remain: Minister Giuli confirmed me for another four years”.

In 2016 it was tough…

“I was very naive and ignorant of some issues, but in love with football, ready to learn. At the beginning I worked with Ceferin, also Tavecchio’s “son” who had the idea of ​​putting us forward.”

First European woman at the FIFA Council. Has anyone looked at it snobbishly?

“No, I had a credible CV. But the legacy of Blatter’s management was felt. Infantino had started the cuts operation and put me in the task force. No more private limousines, first class, daily allowance for companions… From the opposition of some, I understood that that world made no sense.”

“A hundred times. Just as I’m sure I’ve found the right time to close. Before anyone else asks me.”

Montreux remains the crossroads.

“There reason and heart separated a little. There were fifty years of life with my Juve and a family to which I am very close, the Agnellis. But it was right to remain alongside UEFA. It wasn’t easy with the fans, I had an escort, unpleasant campaigns appeared on social media.”

“I was saddened. We were supposed to go together by car to Montreux, then he told me to go alone, he would arrive later. And from then on… I loved him immensely as a child and I still love him. Now he lives in Holland and works for the Super League, I embrace him.”

“I’m not defeatist and desperate, just a little disappointed. A new technician, a new boss, it takes time for investments like this. And then the young people, the injuries, the deficit. There is a need for immediate reactions on social media, I would go easy on “the worst Juve ever”. The first games perhaps deluded us.”

“Two friends before two presidents. I haven’t been well in the last few months and their closeness was total. Gianni is extroverted and impetuous, Alex introverted and thoughtful. They have one thing in common: they are very, very strategic.”

“Besides Gianni and Alex? Michele Uva. We shared a lot. No enemies: I am a woman of peace.”

Fearful of the future of football?

“Not of Superalloy and not even Arabia which seems to me to have no competition. The Champions League has contracts until 2030. I would be careful about new forms that fascinate young people. The King’s Cup in Turin is a success born from social communication”.

“Let UEFA and FIFA be more open to listening. And do more for those in difficulty. There is an association that helps the many kids who arrive in Europe deluded by sequins, their families don’t eat to help them, but then, if they don’t make it, they don’t know what to do. I would like Alex and Gianni to explain that great splendor has a dark side.”

A mistake and a pride?

“Ceferin reproaches me for talking too much at times, but that’s my nature. Proud of having remained myself, without choosing between FIFA and UEFA, with balance and loyalty. And for having worn the helmet when UEFA was under attack.”

“I wanted to be a pensioner, I will continue at the Museum and I will be a ski instructor to my nephew Ruggero who is 11 years old and very good”.