Ceferin Rules Out FIFA Bid, Warns Infantino: ‘Quit Or Face Challenge’

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out a bid to become the next FIFA president but has suggested that incumbent Gianni Infantino could face a challenger if he decides to seek another term.

Ceferin made his position known during an appearance on The Rest Is Politics podcast on Monday, explaining that he had no interest in leaving UEFA to pursue the top position in world football.

The 58-year-old Slovenian said he preferred to continue his work at UEFA and believed his credibility would be stronger if he remained outside the FIFA presidential race.

According to IREPORTERONLINE, Infantino has faced increasing pressure following his now-abandoned proposal to introduce private investment into a company that would oversee FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

The proposal reportedly triggered significant opposition, with UEFA threatening to boycott FIFA competitions while several continental and national football organisations expressed concerns over the plan.

Ceferin, who has emerged as one of Infantino’s strongest critics, said the FIFA president’s previously secure position could now be under serious threat.

The next FIFA Congress is scheduled to take place in Morocco in March, where Infantino could seek re-election. Ceferin suggested that the FIFA chief may either decide to step aside or contest the election against an opponent.

He said Infantino could first recognise that he no longer enjoys sufficient support within the wider football community, including among federations, fans, players, former players and coaches.

However, Ceferin added that if Infantino proceeds with his re-election bid, he expects another candidate to emerge, although he could not identify who that person would be.

Among those reportedly considered possible challengers are CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani and Asian Football Confederation chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa.

Infantino, a former UEFA secretary general, initially enjoyed significant backing from European football when he succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016.

Ceferin, however, indicated that relations have since changed considerably and disclosed that he had not spoken with Infantino since the latest dispute erupted.

Meanwhile, Infantino travelled to the Dominican Republic over the weekend for engagements with local and regional football officials amid reports that Montagliani had asked him to stay away from a youth tournament in the country.

In video remarks released by FIFA on Sunday, Infantino appeared to acknowledge the controversy surrounding his leadership, stressing the importance of dialogue, listening to different opinions and engaging with football stakeholders.

He also expressed satisfaction with the support he received during his visit.