Ceferin Rules Out FIFA Presidency Bid as Infantino Faces Leadership Challenge

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out replacing Gianni Infantino as FIFA president but warned that the embattled world football chief could face a leadership challenge if he seeks re-election next year.

Infantino has faced mounting pressure following his now-abandoned plans to secure private investment in a company that would manage FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.

The proposal has sparked opposition within football, with UEFA threatening a potential boycott of FIFA competitions and several continental and national federations withdrawing their support for Infantino.

Speaking on The Rest is Politics podcast on Monday, Ceferin said he had no interest 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,” the 58-year-old Slovenian said.

Ceferin added that remaining outside the race would also strengthen his credibility and allow him to continue speaking independently about the future of world football.

Infantino Faces Growing Pressure

Ceferin has emerged as one of Infantino’s most vocal critics since the FIFA president unveiled his plans to attract private investment into a company responsible for running FIFA competitions.

The UEFA chief believes Infantino’s previously strong position has been weakened significantly by the controversy and predicts that he will either step down or face an opponent if he seeks another term.

FIFA’s next presidential election is scheduled to take place at the organisation’s Congress in Morocco in March.

“There are two options,” Ceferin said.

According to the UEFA president, Infantino could recognise that he no longer commands sufficient support within the wider football community and decide not to contest the election.

Alternatively, Ceferin believes Infantino could proceed with his re-election bid but face a challenger.

“I think he will have a candidate against him. I don’t know yet who,” he said.

Potential Challengers Emerge

While no confirmed challenger has been announced, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa have been mentioned as possible contenders for the FIFA presidency.

Infantino, who previously served as UEFA secretary general, succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016 with strong support from European football associations.

However, his relationship with UEFA has deteriorated amid the latest controversy.

Ceferin said he has not spoken to Infantino since the dispute over the proposed private investment plans began.

Infantino Defends His Position

Despite the criticism, Infantino has continued to engage with football officials around the world.

The FIFA president was in the Dominican Republic over the weekend for meetings with local and regional football leaders, despite reports that Montagliani had asked him not to attend a youth tournament in the country.

In video remarks released by FIFA on Sunday, Infantino appeared to acknowledge the controversy while emphasising the importance of dialogue and engagement.

“A lot has been happening the last few weeks,” Infantino said, adding that he was “very, very happy” with the support he had received during his visit.

With the FIFA Congress in Morocco approaching, the dispute has opened the possibility of the organisation facing a contested presidential election for the first time in years.

For now, Ceferin has made clear that he does not intend to be part of the succession race, leaving the focus on whether Infantino will seek re-election and, if he does, who will emerge as his challenger.