In a decisive vote at this year’s General Assembly of the Estonian Football Association (EJL), Aivar Pohlak secured another four-year term as president, defeating former national team captain Ragnar Klavan. Pohlak received 68 votes, while Klavan garnered 34.
According to EJL election procedures, a candidate must receive more than half of the votes cast by member clubs present to be elected. Pohlak achieved a clear majority in the first round, with the vote conducted by secret ballot, as required when more than one candidate is nominated.
New Leadership Team Announced
Alongside Pohlak’s re-election, the General Assembly elected a 14-member board, including Vice Presidents Gerd Müller and Daniil Savitski. Newcomers to the board include Kari-Andri Kask, Monica Rand, and legendary defender Raio Piiroja.
- Gerd Müller, the First Vice President, will oversee financial and economic matters. A seasoned executive, Müller has held leadership roles at Swedbank (formerly Hansabank), Nordea Estonia, and construction giant Nordecon. He is currently Head of Strategy and Development at Tietoevry Banking.
- Daniil Savitski, Second Vice President, is responsible for legal affairs. A former goalkeeper in the Premium Liiga with 70 appearances, he holds a law degree from the University of Tartu and is a senior partner at K&S Legal. He is also a UEFA Legal Committee member.
Responsibilities of the Board Members
- Tarmo Lehiste, in charge of national teams, brings years of experience in sports journalism and football management, including work with UEFA match organization.
- Marek Lemsalu, a former international defender with 86 caps, is now responsible for marketing, sponsorship, and promotion. He is also a familiar voice as a television football pundit.
- Teet Ilves, a certified civil engineer, will focus on infrastructure development, including stadium projects like A. Le Coq Arena.
- Eduard Rõžov, a former FIFA referee, will oversee referees and match inspectors. He has been involved in football officiating since 1997.
- Mart Poom, a Premier League pioneer and six-time Estonian Player of the Year, will lead youth football development. Poom currently runs his own football school and serves as goalkeeping coach for the men’s national team.
- Are Altraja, founder of FC Elva and board member of Sportland and Nike distributor AS Jalajälg, will contribute business and marketing insight. He was named “Friend of Sport” by the Ministry of Culture in 2019.
- Anastassia Morkovkina, eight-time Estonian Women’s Player of the Year and former women’s national team coach, will take the lead on women’s football. She scored 40 goals in 75 international appearances.
- Indrek Schwede, a veteran journalist and football historian, is responsible for media and public relations. He holds a PhD in history and has twice won the Georg Hackenschmidt Award for best sports book.
- Monica Rand, elected for the first time, will focus on regional development and grassroots football. She has previously served as Deputy Mayor of Tartu and held various public sector leadership roles.
- Kari-Andri Kask, also a newcomer, will head beach and futsal development. He is a pioneer of Estonian beach soccer and has led efforts to organize national and Baltic competitions.
- Raio Piiroja, a 114-cap veteran and five-time Estonian Player of the Year, joins the board for the first time. The former defender has played professionally in Estonia, Norway, the Netherlands, and China. He was awarded the Order of the White Star (5th Class) in 2016.
Pohlak’s Continued Influence
Pohlak, a towering figure in Estonian football, continues to play a central role in European football governance. He is a member of UEFA’s Executive Committee and serves as Vice Chairman for both the Youth & Amateur Football Committee and the Players’ Status, Transfers & Agents Committee. He also sits on UEFA’s Strategy Advisory Committee and has held previous roles within FIFA’s Ethics and Fair Play Commissions.
Beyond football, Pohlak has worked as a teacher and children’s author. He holds a degree in economics from Tallinn University of Technology and has received several prestigious honors, including FIFA’s 100th Anniversary Medal and Estonia’s national sports award.
