”The board has received the message with some disappointment and would have liked to see a longer continuation”, writes MFF in a press release.
No conflict is behind the decision, emphasizes Carlnén to TT.
It could have been now, it could have been in a year, it could have been last year, he says and means that it has never been his thought that the CEO position would be a lifetime assignment.
When I took office, I thought that if I manage five years, it's a long time. Now I've been here for eleven years.
”Sad”
The 53-year-old will continue to lead the club during the notice period, which runs for six months, which in practice means until just after the turn of the year.
Anders Pålsson, chairman of the club, comments on Carlnén's message in the press release:
”It was sad to have to receive Niclas' resignation when he now, after a long and successful time as CEO of Malmö FF, chooses to leave his position.”
Carlnén himself highlights the successes of recent years on both the women's and men's sides when asked if he can grade his time as CEO.
It's the ultimate measuring tool. But when I see the success in everything from audience attendance to membership numbers, I would say that it's MFF's best time we're living in ever. What grade it is, someone else will have to set. I think that together we have made an incredible journey and had a fantastic development.
Unclear future
On the men's side, MFF is currently fourth in the Allsvenskan table and plays Champions League qualifying. On the women's side, the club is third, as newcomers to the top division.
When asked what's next, Carlnén replies that there's nothing clear, but one thing is certain, another Swedish sports association it will not be:
That's something I find extremely hard to see. I have represented, and still represent, the best association in Sweden, so it's stupid to trade down.
