CEFERIN RULES OUT FIFA PRESIDENCY BID, CALLS FOR INFANTINO TO STEP DOWN

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running for the FIFA presidency but warned that incumbent Gianni Infantino could face a challenger in next year’s election.

Ceferin said he was not interested in replacing Infantino, despite growing criticism of the FIFA president. He argued that Infantino no longer enjoys sufficient support across the football community, including among fans, players and coaches.

The UEFA chief said Infantino had two options: step down after recognising the loss of support or contest the election and face an opposition candidate. He added that he did not yet know who could emerge as a challenger.

Ceferin’s comments followed widespread opposition to Infantino’s recently abandoned proposal to sell a stake in FIFA tournament rights to private investors. UEFA, alongside other regional football bodies, had strongly opposed the plan.

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027 in Morocco, with Infantino expected to seek re-election. Ceferin said he preferred to continue his work at UEFA rather than pursue the FIFA presidency.