Ceferin Rules Out FIFA Presidency Bid, Says Infantino Could Face Rival
Reported By Facthabournews
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has ruled out running for the FIFA presidency but said incumbent Gianni Infantino could face a challenger when the election takes place in March 2027.
Čeferin made his position clear as tensions between European football’s governing body and FIFA leadership continue to grow following controversy over Infantino’s abandoned proposal involving private investment in FIFA tournament rights.
Čeferin Chooses to Remain at UEFA
The Slovenian football administrator said he was not interested in succeeding Infantino, explaining that he remains committed to his role at UEFA.
Čeferin has served as UEFA president since 2016 and was re-elected for a further four-year term in April 2023. UEFA’s official profile identifies him as responsible for representing the organisation in its relations with FIFA, other continental confederations and its 55 member associations.
Čeferin said remaining outside the FIFA presidential race would also strengthen his credibility because he would not be seen as criticising Infantino in pursuit of the position himself.
Infantino Faces Growing Pressure
The development comes as Infantino faces increasing criticism from several football associations over his leadership and recent commercial proposals.
A controversial plan to establish a commercial structure that would allow private investors to acquire a stake in FIFA tournament rights was abandoned after significant opposition.
Čeferin has strongly criticised the proposal, reportedly describing it as more damaging than the European Super League project that UEFA opposed in 2021.
The controversy has contributed to growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA, with some European associations calling for changes in FIFA’s leadership.
‘Quit or Face a Challenger’
Although Čeferin has ruled himself out of the presidential contest, he has indicated that Infantino may not have an uncontested path to re-election.
According to reports, the UEFA president believes there could be an opposition candidate if Infantino decides to seek another term.
Čeferin has also suggested that Infantino should recognise the level of opposition to his leadership and consider stepping aside. If the FIFA president chooses to contest the election, Čeferin expects another candidate to emerge to challenge him.
The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027, with nominations due by November 18, according to reports.
UEFA-FIFA Tensions Intensify
The disagreement reflects broader differences over the direction of global football governance.
UEFA has expressed concerns about FIFA’s approach to commercialisation, governance and decision-making, while Infantino has defended his efforts to generate more resources for football development across FIFA’s 211 member associations.
Infantino has also been seeking support from less affluent football nations, presenting himself as an advocate for reducing financial disparities within the sport.
Čeferin, however, has rejected suggestions that UEFA’s opposition to Infantino is motivated by an attempt to prevent developing football nations from receiving greater financial support.
What the Decision Means
Čeferin’s decision not to run removes one of the most prominent potential challengers to Infantino from the immediate presidential race.
However, his comments suggest that the debate over FIFA’s leadership is far from settled.
If another candidate emerges, the election could become a significant contest over the future direction of world football, particularly on issues involving governance, commercial partnerships, tournament revenues and relations between FIFA and its continental confederations.
For now, Infantino remains FIFA president and has indicated his intention to seek re-election.
Čeferin, meanwhile, will continue leading UEFA while working with other football authorities on issues affecting European football and the wider international game.
The coming months could therefore be crucial for FIFA as potential candidates weigh whether to challenge Infantino before the November nomination deadline.
This report is based on statements attributed to Aleksander Čeferin and reporting by Reuters, Associated Press and other established media organisations. The FIFA presidential election remains subject to the official nomination and election processes.
