Ceferin Rules Out FIFA Presidency Bid, Warns Infantino of Leadership Challenge

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out a bid to succeed Gianni Infantino as FIFA president but warned that the embattled football chief could face a challenger at the next FIFA election in March.

Infantino has come under growing pressure following his controversial attempt to secure private investment in FIFA competitions. Three continental confederations have accused the FIFA president of “deception”, while UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions over the dispute.

Ceferin, 58, had been viewed as a potential candidate to challenge Infantino, but he has now made it clear that he has no interest in taking over FIFA’s top position.

Speaking on The Rest Is Politics podcast, the UEFA president said his commitment to European football and his desire to eventually step away from football administration were among the reasons for his decision.

He also argued that remaining outside the contest would strengthen his credibility as he continues to speak out on issues affecting world football.

Ceferin has been increasingly critical of Infantino since the FIFA president unveiled plans to attract private investment into a company that would oversee FIFA tournaments.

The UEFA chief now believes Infantino’s position could be vulnerable ahead of the FIFA Congress scheduled to take place in Morocco in March.

According to Ceferin, Infantino has two options: step aside after recognising that he no longer enjoys sufficient support within the football community, or contest the election and face a rival candidate.

He stressed that the issue goes beyond the support of voting federations, arguing that a FIFA president also needs the backing of fans, players, former players and coaches.

“If he goes to the elections in March, in that case I think he will have a candidate against him,” ?eferin said, although he admitted that he did not yet know who that candidate would be.

Infantino, a former UEFA secretary general, initially enjoyed strong support from European football associations when he succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016.

However, the relationship between the FIFA and UEFA leaderships has deteriorated significantly amid the latest dispute.

Ceferin also revealed that he has not spoken to Infantino since the controversy surrounding the proposed private investment plans began.

With the FIFA election approaching, pressure on Infantino could intensify as football stakeholders continue to debate his leadership and the future direction of world football.