Swede Lars-Christer Olsson has resigned as Uefa chief executive after reaching a settlement with European soccer's governing body.
"Unfortunately I would have liked to stay on but there was a difference of views on how we go forward under the new administration," he said.
The 57-year-old was a close ally of compatriot Lennart Johansson, who was voted out of office after 17 years as Uefa president last Friday, losing the presidential election to Frenchman Michel Platini.
Platini thanked Olsson for his "dedication and hard work to the game of football" and wished him well for the future.
Platini has made no secret of his intention to take on a greater role as executive president of the organisation, which would make Olsson's position untenable.
"Michel Platini is a good person as an individual. This is all part of the game. Once the new regime took over, I felt it was time to go," Olsson said.
Olsson said he would take a break from the game for a short period but hoped to be back working in football in the near future.