UEFA's Ceferin Urges FIFA President Infantino to Step Down but Declines to Run for His Post

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has publicly urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign following backlash over Infantino's abandoned plan to attract private investment into FIFA tournaments.

Speaking on The Rest is Politics podcast, Ceferin dismissed speculation about him contesting the FIFA presidency, citing his commitment to UEFA and personal reasons. "I'm not interested because of two reasons: I love UEFA and I think it's time to enjoy life a bit," he said. "My credibility is much higher if I'm not interested in the position."

Infantino's proposal to involve private investors in FIFA events, including the World Cup, triggered widespread criticism and threats of boycotts from UEFA and other football bodies. Ceferin, a vocal critic of the plan, believes Infantino's hold on power is weakening and predicts he will face a leadership challenge if he seeks re-election at the FIFA Congress in Morocco next March.

Ceferin outlined two possible outcomes: either Infantino acknowledges the loss of support from football stakeholders—including fans, players, and coaches—and steps down, or he contests the election and faces a challenger. While Ceferin did not name potential candidates, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani and AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa are widely seen as possible contenders.

Infantino, who was UEFA's secretary general before becoming FIFA president in 2016, has maintained some support, as evidenced by his recent meetings with football officials in the Dominican Republic. In a FIFA-released video, Infantino acknowledged the recent turmoil but expressed confidence in the backing he has received.