Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Ceferin Rejects FIFA Bid, Warns Infantino Faces Election Challenge
Aleksander Ceferin leads UEFA, which oversees European football.
He said he does not want to become the leader of FIFA.
Gianni Infantino is the current FIFA president.
Infantino has faced criticism over a plan to let private investors buy stakes in major FIFA tournaments.
The plan included the men’s and women’s World Cups and was later abandoned.
Some football organizations withdrew their support for Infantino.
UEFA also threatened to boycott some FIFA competitions.
Ceferin said Infantino may quit if he knows he lacks support.
If Infantino runs again, Ceferin expects another candidate to challenge him.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said he is not interested in replacing FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Ceferin said Infantino must either step down or face a challenger if he seeks re-election.
Infantino is under pressure after abandoning a plan to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments to private investors.
Three continental confederations accused Infantino of deception, while UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions.
FIFA’s next Congress is expected in Morocco in March 2027, with challengers required to nominate by November 18.
- Who
- UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- What
- Ceferin ruled out running for FIFA president and said Infantino may resign or face an election challenger.
- When
- Ceferin’s comments were published in excerpts on Sunday and Monday; FIFA’s next Congress is expected in March 2027, with nominations due by November 18.
- Where
- The next FIFA Congress is expected to take place in Morocco.
- Why
- Infantino is facing pressure over an abandoned proposal to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments.
Infantino Critics
Infantino’s Earlier Support
Leadership support
Infantino Critics
Ceferin said Infantino may no longer have support from voters, football organizations, fans, players, former players and coaches.
Infantino’s Earlier Support
Infantino previously had broad backing from European nations when he became FIFA president in 2016.
Private investment plan
Infantino Critics
Critics objected to selling stakes in major FIFA tournaments to private equity investors, and the proposal was abandoned.
Infantino’s Earlier Support
The articles do not provide a detailed public defense of the proposal from Infantino.
Election outcome
Infantino Critics
Ceferin said Infantino should either step down or face a challenger if he seeks re-election.
Infantino’s Earlier Support
Infantino remains the only identified candidate in the articles, and neither a challenger nor a response from Infantino is named.
- Ceferin’s position
- He said he is not interested in becoming FIFA president and remains committed to UEFA.
- Infantino’s options
- Ceferin said Infantino could recognize that he lacks support and step down, or run for re-election against a challenger.
- Investment proposal
- The plan involved selling stakes in major FIFA tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, to private equity investors.
- Proposal status
- FIFA abandoned the investment plan after criticism.
- Opposition
- Three continental confederations accused Infantino of deception, and several continental and national federations reportedly withdrew support.
- UEFA response
- UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions.
- Election timetable
- The next FIFA Congress is expected in Morocco in March 2027, and challengers must nominate by November 18.
Sources
UEFA president Ceferin calls for Gianni Infantino to quit, rules out Fifa election bid
Aleksander Ceferin Rejects FIFA Presidency Bid, Says Infantino Could Face Rival At Elections
UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin says he is not running for FIFA President
UEFA President Ceferin Says Won't Run Against FIFA President But Calls For Infantino To Quit
