UEFA boss Ceferin rules out FIFA presidency run

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out of a potential bid to replace Gianni Infantino as FIFA president, stating he is "not interested" in the role. Ceferin, however, issued a warning that Infantino must either step down or prepare to face a leadership challenge.

Infantino has faced mounting pressure following his now-abandoned proposal to secure private investment for FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup. This plan drew significant criticism, with UEFA threatening a boycott of FIFA competitions and several continental and national federations withdrawing their support for Infantino.

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I’m not interested because of two reasons. One reason is that I love UEFA and I love working here, and I think that at a certain point… it’s time to also enjoy life a bit. And the second point is, my credibility is much, much higher if I’m not interested in the position.

Ceferin, 58, explained his decision not to pursue the FIFA presidency by citing two main reasons: his dedication to UEFA and a desire to "enjoy life a bit." He also believes his "credibility is much, much higher" by remaining uninterested in the position.

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There are two options. One option is that he (Infantino) realises that he doesn’t have the support, and that’s not only a political support of the ones who vote, but the political support of the football community, the political support of fans, the political support of the players, former players, coaches.

Ceferin has been a vocal critic of Infantino's plans. He now suggests that Infantino's previously secure position is under threat. Ceferin predicts that Infantino will have to resign or face a challenger if he seeks re-election at the upcoming FIFA Congress in March. While Infantino previously had broad support from European nations when he succeeded Sepp Blatter in 2016, Ceferin notes the current situation is vastly different. He believes Infantino lacks support not only from voting members but also from the wider football community, fans, and players.

Ceferin outlined two potential scenarios: Infantino recognizes his lack of support and steps down, or he contests the election in March, where Ceferin anticipates a candidate will emerge to challenge him. Potential challengers mentioned include CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC boss Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa. Meanwhile, Infantino was reportedly in the Dominican Republic for meetings, despite a request from Montagliani to avoid a youth tournament there.

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And the second option, that he goes to the elections in March, but in that case I think he will have a candidate against him. I don’t know yet who.