UEFA Chief Aleksander Ceferin Rules Out FIFA Bid But Warns Gianni Infantino to Step Down

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has stated that he is not interested in replacing Gianni Infantino, but warned that the under-fire FIFA president must resign or face a leadership challenge.

Ceferin has been vocal in his criticism since Gianni Infantino revealed controversial plans to seek private investment in a company to run FIFA tournaments. Speaking to The Rest is Politics podcast, the 58-year-old Slovenian ruled out a bid to take over, citing his love for UEFA and the desire to maintain his credibility.

Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure to step down following the now-abandoned investment plan, with UEFA threatening a boycott of FIFA competitions alongside withdrawals of support from several continental and national federations. Aleksander Ceferin forecasts that the Swiss official will either need to step down or face a challenger at the next FIFA Congress in Morocco in March.

While Gianni Infantino has sought support from regional blocs and smaller national associations, potential challengers such as Victor Montagliani and Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa have emerged, backed by regional bodies including AFC, CONCACAF, and UEFA.