Aigner, who has been with UEFA since 1969 and in 1999 became the governing body's first ever CEO, will quit his post on December 31.
It now clears the way for a fascinating battle within European soccer to replace him and claim one of the sport's most powerful positions.
Aigner informed the Executive Committee of UEFA he will not seek to extend his contract when it expires, but will take early retirement. He will then be 60.
German-born Aigner joined UEFA in October 1969 as secretary for youth competitions and refereeing. He was subsequently appointed head of the competition department and head of organisation. In January 1989 the UEFA Executive Committee appointed him general secretary and in December 1999 he became UEFA’s first ever CEO.
Said Aigner: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my administrative career with UEFA over the last 33 years and I believe that UEFA is in a good shape for the future.
"But I have a young family and I intend to devote more time to them and to my private interests, which I regret I was not able to do in the past. I will remain fully involved in UEFA until the end of this year and will work with the UEFA president to ensure a smooth succession”.
Added UEFA president Lennart Johansson: “Gerd Aigner is a friend, a very loyal colleague and has been a great servant of European football. His energy, commitment and vision have been a vital part of UEFA’s success for more than three decades. He is also a devoted family man and I totally respect his decision to spend more time with them. European football’s loss is his family’s gain – we wish him and them the very best for the future”.
