Slovenian Aleksander Ceferin has been elected as the seventh president of UEFA – and has pledged to create the “best grassroots programme in history” across Europe.

The 48-year-old received 42 votes to the 13 votes secured by Dutch rival Michael van Praag – who was endorsed by the English football Association (FA).

He has been the president of the Slovenian Football Association since 2011, and has served as second and third vice-chair of the UEFA Legal Committee since 2011. Ceferin is a lawyer by profession.

As part of his manifesto, Ceferin made a commitment to grassroot football and to protect the interests of smaller footballing nations. He also wants to develop the “best ever social responsibility and sustainability programmes”.

“It’s a great honour, but also a great responsibility,” said Ceferin, who replaces Michel Platini.

The Frenchman resigned after being banned from football-related activities for allegedly breaching ethics rules over a £1.3m (US$1.7m, €1.5m) payment made to him by then FIFA president Sepp Blatter in 2011. Platini has maintained his innocence throughout.

Ceferin will take over the remainder of Platini’s tenure, staying in post until 2019.