Peter Lawwell’s departure from Celtic has not removed him from the centre of European football decision-making.
Lawwell has stepped away from his position at Celtic but remains active within the structures that shape the European game.
The former Celtic chairman’s continued involvement at board level ensures he retains a presence where major decisions affecting clubs are discussed at UEFA.
The change in title does not remove him from influence, it repositions him within it.
How will you remember Peter Lawwell’s time at Celtic?
Peter Lawwell remains embedded in European football leadership after Celtic exit
Lawwell has been appointed as an EFC Independent Board Member following his departure from Celtic, ending his tenure as Vice-Chair.
The same update confirms the board asked him to stay on and made clear his experience and leadership remain highly valued within the organisation.
In a statement, the EFC said: “The Board asked Peter to stay on as an Independent Board Member.
“His years of experience and leadership are very highly valued by our Chairman and the entire Board, and the wider membership, so we are very pleased that he will be remaining in a key leadership role with EFC.
“The EFC Board approved several key appointments, including Bart Verhaeghe (Chairman, Club Brugge) as new Vice-Chair of EFC representing Subdivision 2.
“Verhaeghe is already a member of the EFC Executive Committee and Board. “On behalf of all Board Members, EFC’s Chairman, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, personally thanked outgoing Vice-Chair Peter Lawwell for his long-held commitment to EFC over many years as Vice-Chair of the organisation.
“Following Lawwell’s recent decision to depart his role at Celtic FC, he will no longer serve as EFC Vice-Chair.
“However, he will continue to provide leadership and support to EFC in a new capacity with the Board approving his appointment as an EFC Independent Board Member.”
This is not a symbolic role. It keeps him inside the group responsible for shaping the direction of club football across the continent.
Celtic’s connection to EFC still matters at the top level of the game
The European Club Association represents European clubs at governance level and plays a central role in shaping how the game is run.
Its structure feeds directly into wider processes that influence decisions at UEFA and FIFA level, giving board members a voice in how the sport evolves.
That makes Lawwell’s continued presence significant. He remains part of the environment where those decisions are discussed and formed.
His experience built at Celtic is still part of that process, even if his official position at the Parkhead club has ended.
This is where influence sits in modern football. It is not tied only to club titles, but to access and involvement at governance level, and Lawwell still has both.
That ensures Celtic-linked experience has not disappeared from the decisions that shape European football.
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