UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin Declines FIFA Presidency Bid but Warns Gianni Infantino to Step Down or Face Challenge
Ceferin Rules Out FIFA Presidency but Issues Warning to Infantino
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has made it clear he will not contest the FIFA presidency against Gianni Infantino. Still, he delivered a stark warning to the current FIFA chief: either resign or prepare for a tough leadership battle at the upcoming FIFA Congress.
Pressure Mounts on Infantino Over World Cup Plans
Infantino’s position is under heavy pressure following his controversial attempts to secure private investment for future World Cups. The failed proposals sparked strong backlash, with UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC considering a no-confidence vote. European football leaders even threatened to boycott FIFA competitions in protest amid accusations of misleading conduct.
Despite this turmoil, Ceferin confirmed he won’t run for FIFA’s top spot. Although many see him as the natural successor, he prefers to focus on his role within UEFA.
Ceferin Explains His Decision
Speaking on The Rest Is Politics podcast, Ceferin explained his reasons: "I’m not interested because of two reasons. One, I love UEFA and my work here, and I believe it’s time to also enjoy life a bit. Second, my credibility is much higher if I’m not seen as someone chasing that position."
He added that things are shifting rapidly and he hasn’t spoken directly with Infantino but outlined two possible futures: “Either Infantino realises he lacks support—not just from voters, but from fans, players, coaches, and the broader football community—or he runs in March and faces a serious opponent. I don’t know who that candidate will be yet.”
Infantino Faces Isolation in Europe
Once strongly backed by European football when he won the FIFA presidency in 2016, Infantino now finds himself isolated. Several associations, including those in the UK and Republic of Ireland, have withdrawn their support.
FIFA has tried to portray this opposition as an elitist European agenda. Ceferin rejected that claim outright, accusing Infantino of setting global football against UEFA. "They play on the narrative of arrogant Europe versus the rest, claiming to help smaller or poorer nations," Ceferin said. "But someone should remind him he is European and was supported by UEFA, something he seems to have forgotten."
March Congress Will Decide FIFA's Future
The upcoming FIFA Congress in Morocco will be decisive for the organisation’s leadership. While Infantino retains backing from African and South American confederations, coordinated moves by others could trigger a no-confidence vote and potentially unseat him.
If Infantino refuses to step down, an opposing candidate is expected to emerge soon. For now, the world watches as the FIFA president stands firm amid increasing challenges to his authority.
