Ceferin tells Infantino to resign or face challenge, but rules out taking FIFA role
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has said he will not run against Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, but warned the embattled leader must step down or face a leadership contest in March. Infantino is under pressure after abandoning a controversial plan to open FIFA to private investors. Ceferin said he is not interested in the position to preserve his credibility.
Ceferin's remarks came during an appearance on The Rest is Politics podcast, where he cited his attachment to UEFA and a desire to protect his credibility as reasons for declining to seek FIFA's top job. He confirmed he has not spoken with Infantino since the controversy erupted over the abandoned private investment scheme for FIFA tournaments.
The next FIFA Congress is scheduled for March in Morocco, where Infantino would face re-election. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa are widely seen as potential challengers. Infantino attended meetings in the Dominican Republic over the weekend despite Montagliani reportedly requesting he avoid a youth tournament there.
This leadership dispute could reshape global football governance, affecting how major tournaments like the World Cup are financed and organized. If Infantino faces a credible challenger in March, national federations may be forced to choose sides, potentially fracturing the sport's governing body. Fans and players could see increased instability in decision-making, while the abandoned investment plan raises broader questions about transparency and accountability in international sports administration. The outcome may influence whether football's leadership prioritizes commercial interests or grassroots development.