UEFA Boss Ceferin Rules Out FIFA Presidency Run

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out contesting for the FIFA presidency but warned that incumbent Gianni Infantino could face a leadership challenge if he seeks re-election.

Ceferin made the comments amid growing pressure on Infantino over controversial plans to attract private investment into FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.

The UEFA chief said he was not interested in succeeding Infantino, citing his commitment to UEFA and his desire to eventually step away from football administration.

“I’m not interested because of two reasons,” Ceferin said during an appearance on The Rest is Politics podcast.

He explained that he loved working at UEFA and believed his credibility would be stronger if he was not seeking the FIFA presidency.

Ceferin has been one of Infantino’s most vocal critics since the FIFA president disclosed plans to seek private investment for a company that would manage FIFA competitions.

UEFA has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, while several continental and national football associations have also withdrawn their support for Infantino.

According to Ceferin, Infantino’s previously strong position is now under significant pressure ahead of the next FIFA Congress scheduled to take place in Morocco in March.

He said Infantino would have two options: recognise that he no longer enjoys sufficient support and step aside, or contest the election and potentially face another candidate.

“There are two options,” Ceferin said.

He explained that the issue was not limited to the support of voting associations but also involved the broader football community, including fans, players, former players and coaches.

“If he goes to the elections in March, in that case I think he will have a candidate against him,” Ceferin added, although he said he did not yet know who the challenger would be.

Infantino, a former UEFA secretary general, succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016 and initially enjoyed strong backing from European football associations.

However, relations between UEFA and FIFA have become increasingly strained over Infantino’s proposed investment plans and broader governance issues.

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa have been mentioned as possible challengers to Infantino if he seeks another term.

Ceferin also disclosed that he had not spoken with Infantino since the controversy surrounding the proposed private investment began.

The developments could set the stage for a major leadership contest at FIFA’s next electoral congress if Infantino decides to seek re-election.