Lise Klaveness (foto: Getty Images)
Laura McAllister and Lise Klaveness have emerged as two of the most influential voices behind UEFA's united opposition to Gianni Infantino's controversial FIFA proposal.
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UEFA's successful campaign against Gianni Infantino's controversial proposal to sell a stake in FIFA competitions was not driven only by football's most powerful male executives.
According to new reports, two women played central roles in shaping UEFA's response and rallying support across Europe: Laura McAllister and Lise Klaveness.
While UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and European Club Association chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi led negotiations at the highest level, the pair were reportedly among the strongest internal voices pushing for decisive action.
Boycott proposal gained momentum
According to The Athletic, Laura McAllister, UEFA vice-president and a member of the Executive Committee, was one of the leading advocates of a potential boycott of FIFA competitions if the governing body refused to withdraw its proposal.
Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Association and another UEFA Executive Committee member, also strongly supported a firm response and greater pressure on FIFA.
The united stance eventually forced FIFA to abandon its plan to sell a stake in its competitions to private investors, although tensions between UEFA and FIFA remain high.
From footballers to influential leaders
Both McAllister and Klaveness enjoyed distinguished playing careers before moving into football administration.
McAllister represented Wales, while Klaveness earned international recognition with Norway.
Since retiring, both have become prominent voices in football governance, advocating for transparency, stronger institutional oversight and greater accountability within the sport.
A future FIFA president?
Klaveness' growing influence has even sparked speculation about her future at the highest level of world football.
According to international reports, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has identified the Norwegian official as a potential future candidate for the FIFA presidency.
Such an appointment would be historic.
In FIFA's history, the organization has had 12 presidents, and every one of them has been a man.
Whether Klaveness eventually enters that race remains uncertain, but her role during UEFA's recent confrontation with FIFA has firmly established her among the most influential figures in modern football politics.