UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin rejects FIFA presidential bid but demands Infantino resign

Ruling out a personal bid

Aleksander Ceferin confirmed he will not run for the FIFA presidency, dismissing speculation that he would personally challenge Gianni Infantino. Speaking on the British podcast "The Rest is Politics: Leading", the 58-year-old Slovenian administrator explained that remaining at UEFA preserves his standing. Ceferin, who has led European soccer since 2016, stated that his mandate concludes in 2027 and that his authority as a critic is stronger without seeking higher office. He noted that he has had no direct communication with Infantino since the dispute began.

One reason is that I love UEFA and I love working here, and I think that at a certain point... it's time to also enjoy life a bit. And the second point is, my credibility is much, much higher if I'm not interested in the position.

The private investment dispute

The rift between the governing bodies widened following Infantino's proposal to sell commercial stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private equity investors. Although FIFA subsequently withdrew the project, three continental bodies (UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC) accused Infantino of deception and signed a joint statement opposing his direction. UEFA threatened a total boycott of FIFA tournaments, maintaining that position even after the withdrawal of the proposal. Ceferin characterised the commercial plan as a greater danger to soccer than the 2021 European Super League project, arguing that it amounted to selling the sport. Opposition across Europe included both wealthy associations such as England and Germany and smaller federations like Cyprus, Liechtenstein, and San Marino.

When you compared in the beginning this plan with the Super League plan, I think this plan is even worse than the Super League plan. Football would be literally sold.

Coalition building and alternative candidates

Ceferin outlined two paths forward for the FIFA president, arguing Infantino should either resign voluntarily or face a united opposition candidate in the election. FIFA has scheduled the presidential vote for 18 March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco, with a formal nomination deadline of 18 November. Several media outlets have identified CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani of Canada as a possible challenger to lead an intercontinental ticket. UEFA, CONCACAF, and Asia's AFC have coordinated efforts to build a coalition spanning beyond Europe, addressing FIFA's accusations of European arrogance. Infantino has actively campaigned across other regions, meeting Montagliani and Caribbean Football Union officials in the Dominican Republic.

Infantino defended his broader commercial vision in a video address released during his Caribbean visit, framing his initiatives as necessary support for developing nations.

We want to develop football in each of our 211 member associations across the world. Some, unfortunately, do not need that, and do not want others to grow, but we must reduce the gap between the big countries and everyone else.

Governance timelines and UEFA politics

The leadership dispute coincides with internal administrative decisions inside European soccer. Ceferin has served a decade at UEFA and would require statutory adjustments to pursue a fourth term in office, which takes place two weeks prior to the FIFA vote. Both Infantino and Ceferin assumed their respective offices in 2016, with Infantino previously serving as UEFA general secretary before his elevation to FIFA. While Infantino previously anticipated an unopposed re-election in Morocco, the withdrawal of support from three confederations creates competitive uncertainty ahead of the November candidate deadline. Member associations now have three months before the November cut-off to finalize nominations.