Aleksander Ceferin Won't Run for FIFA President but Warns Gianni Infantino to Step Down or Face Opposition

Ceferin Declines FIFA Presidency Bid, Issues Warning to Infantino

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has confirmed he will not contest the FIFA presidency but has sent a sharp message to incumbent Gianni Infantino. The Slovenian official insists Infantino must either resign or brace for a serious challenge at the next FIFA Congress.

Infantino Under Growing Pressure Over World Cup Plans

Infantino’s leadership is increasingly questioned after his controversial attempt to bring private investment into future World Cups. The failed proposal sparked strong backlash from football bodies including UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC, who have considered a no-confidence motion. Allegations of misleading conduct led European officials to threaten boycotting FIFA tournaments.

Despite the turmoil, Ceferin stated he will remain focused on his UEFA role and will not enter the FIFA race, even though many see him as a likely successor.

Ceferin on Why He Won’t Run

On The Rest Is Politics podcast, Ceferin explained, "I’m not interested for two reasons. First, I love UEFA and enjoy my work here, and it’s important to enjoy life too. Second, my credibility is higher if I stay out of the contest."

He added that change is inevitable: "Things evolve daily. I haven’t spoken with Infantino. But there are two paths: either he realizes he lacks support—not just politically but from fans, players, and coaches—or he runs in March and faces a challenger. I don’t know who yet."

European Support for Infantino Erodes

Infantino’s strong backing in Europe has crumbled since he became FIFA president in 2016 with UEFA’s help. Associations from the UK and Republic of Ireland have withdrawn support.

FIFA has tried to frame this pushback as Europe opposing the global game, but Ceferin dismissed that narrative: "They say arrogant Europe is against us, that FIFA helps the small and poor. Someone should remind Infantino he is European and was supported by UEFA, which he seems to have forgotten."

March Congress Could Bring Leadership Shift

The upcoming FIFA Congress in Morocco will determine football’s leadership future. Infantino still has backing from African and South American confederations, but a coordinated no-confidence vote could force a change.

If Infantino refuses to step down, an opposition candidate is expected to emerge. For now, the FIFA president remains defiant, while the football world awaits to see who will challenge his fractured authority.