UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin Declines FIFA Presidency Bid but Warns Gianni Infantino to Step Down or Face Contest

Ceferin Withdraws from FIFA Race but Issues Warning to Infantino

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running for the FIFA presidency, yet he delivered a stark message to current leader Gianni Infantino: resign voluntarily or prepare for a tough leadership challenge at the next FIFA Congress.

Infantino Under Pressure Over World Cup Financing Plans

Infantino’s position is under heavy fire after his controversial attempts to secure private funding for future World Cups were scrapped amid widespread criticism. The backlash has stirred talk of no-confidence motions from UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC. There have even been threats from European football leaders to boycott FIFA events, citing allegations of misinformation.

Despite this turmoil, Ceferin confirmed he will stay out of the race, preferring to focus on his role within European football. Seen as a likely contender, Ceferin explained his decision during an appearance on The Rest Is Politics podcast.

"I'm not interested for two reasons. One, I love UEFA and my work here. At some point, you want to enjoy life a bit. The second is that my credibility stays much higher if I'm not seen as wanting that position," he said.

Ceferin Predicts a Fierce Leadership Battle Ahead

Though stepping aside, Ceferin hinted at an inevitable confrontation. "Things change daily," he said. "I haven’t spoken to him [Infantino], but there are two options." According to Ceferin, Infantino must either accept he lacks support — not just from voters but from the broader football community including fans, players, and coaches — or face an opponent in the March elections. He admitted he doesn’t yet know who that challenger might be.

European Backlash Against Infantino Deepens

Infantino’s fall from grace in Europe is striking given his reliance on the continent’s backing to win the FIFA presidency in 2016. Several associations from the UK and Ireland have withdrawn their support, isolating him further.

FIFA has tried to portray this dissent as a narrow European elitism, but Ceferin dismissed that narrative outright. "They try to play the ‘arrogant Europe versus us’ card, saying they have money and they support the small and poor," he said. "Someone should remind Infantino that he is European and was backed by UEFA — something he seems to have forgotten."

March Congress Could Decide FIFA's Future

The upcoming FIFA Congress in Morocco will be pivotal. Infantino still holds strong support from African and South American confederations, yet a united no-confidence vote could force a historic leadership change. Should Infantino refuse to step down, a rival candidate is expected to emerge soon. For now, the football world watches as the tension around his presidency grows.

• Key Points:
• Ceferin will not run for FIFA president
• Infantino faces calls to resign amid controversies
• European associations withdraw support for Infantino
• Potential leadership challenge at FIFA Congress in March