Ceferin rules out FIFA bid as Infantino faces challenge

LONDON: UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out of the race to replace Gianni Infantino as FIFA president, but warned that the embattled world football chief could face a serious leadership challenge if he seeks re-election next year.

Ceferin, one of Infantino’s most vocal critics, said he was “not interested” in taking over FIFA, citing his commitment to UEFA and his desire to eventually step away from football politics. He also argued that remaining outside the race strengthens his credibility as a critic of the FIFA leadership.

The comments come as Infantino faces mounting pressure following the collapse of a controversial proposal to bring private investment into FIFA tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.

The plan triggered strong opposition from several football associations and intensified tensions between FIFA and UEFA. European football officials have also discussed possible measures including a boycott of FIFA competitions, adding to the pressure surrounding Infantino’s leadership.

Ceferin said Infantino now faced two possible paths: he could recognise that he no longer had sufficient support and step aside, or contest the election and potentially face an opponent.

The UEFA chief stressed that the issue went beyond the votes of football federations, saying Infantino’s support among fans, players, coaches and the wider football community was also important.

“If he goes to the elections in March, I think he will have a candidate against him,” Ceferin said, while acknowledging that the identity of a potential challenger remains unclear.

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027 in Morocco. Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016 after succeeding Sepp Blatter, has indicated that he intends to seek another term. Until recently, he had appeared likely to face little or no opposition, but the fallout from the investment proposal has changed the political landscape.

Several names are now being discussed as possible challengers. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and Asian Football Confederation chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa have been mentioned among the potential candidates.

Ceferin’s decision not to run means he is unlikely to become Infantino’s direct electoral rival, but his continued criticism could still prove significant in the months leading up to the FIFA Congress.

For Infantino, the immediate challenge is rebuilding support across football’s governing bodies while defending his leadership against growing criticism.

For UEFA, meanwhile, the dispute has become a broader debate over how global football should be governed, financed and represented — setting the stage for a potentially turbulent FIFA election in 2027.