CEFERIN TELLS INFANTINO TO QUIT FIFA, RULES OUT REPLACING HIM

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down, warning that the embattled football administrator could face a serious challenge if he seeks re-election in 2027.

Ceferin, however, has ruled out becoming Infantino’s replacement, insisting that he has no interest in contesting the FIFA presidency.

The UEFA chief made his position known amid growing tensions between European football authorities and FIFA leadership over Infantino’s controversial plans and his approach to the governance of world football.

Infantino has faced mounting criticism following his now-abandoned proposal to attract private investment into FIFA’s commercial operations, including future World Cup revenues. The plan triggered strong opposition from several football stakeholders and intensified concerns over the direction of the governing body.

Ceferin said Infantino no longer enjoys the level of support he once commanded across the football community, arguing that the FIFA president should recognise the changing political landscape within the sport.

According to the UEFA president, Infantino should voluntarily leave office rather than force football stakeholders into a contested presidential election.

However, Ceferin stressed that his criticism of Infantino should not be interpreted as a personal ambition to succeed him.

The Slovenian said he was not interested in the FIFA presidency and maintained that his credibility as a critic of Infantino was stronger precisely because he was not seeking the position himself.

“I am not interested in replacing him,” Ceferin said, while suggesting that another candidate could emerge to challenge Infantino if he proceeds with his bid for another term.

Infantino has indicated his intention to seek re-election at the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 2027 in Morocco. The election is expected to become significantly more competitive if an opposition candidate emerges.

The FIFA president has been under increasing pressure in recent weeks, particularly following the backlash over the proposed private-investment structure for FIFA tournaments.

UEFA and other football confederations have expressed concerns over several aspects of FIFA’s recent direction, with the dispute developing into a broader battle over the future governance and commercial structure of world football.

Ceferin has also criticised Infantino’s failed investment proposal, describing it as an even greater threat to football than the European Super League project that caused widespread controversy in 2021.

Despite the growing opposition, Infantino continues to enjoy support from several football associations, particularly within Africa and South America, and has defended his record in office as one focused on expanding football development and financial opportunities for FIFA’s 211 member associations.

The FIFA presidency race could therefore become one of the most closely watched leadership contests in world football if a credible challenger emerges before the nomination deadline.

For now, Ceferin appears determined to remain outside the contest while continuing to challenge Infantino’s leadership and urging FIFA’s president to step aside.