Ceferin Declines FIFA Presidency Bid, Urges Infantino to Step Down

Published On 24 Aug 202624 Aug 2026

Aleksander Ceferin, the head of European football, has said he has no intention of succeeding Gianni Infantino, yet he cautioned that the beleaguered FIFA president should step aside or risk a leadership showdown.

His criticism intensified after Infantino announced plans to attract private investment for FIFA tournaments, although Ceferin, a 58‑year‑old Slovenian, has ruled himself out of any bid to replace Infantino. In a recent episode of The Rest Is Politics podcast, he explained his reluctance for two reasons.

First, he said, his affection for UEFA and his enjoyment of his current role make him reluctant to leave, especially as he feels it is time to savor life beyond work.

Second, he argued that his credibility would be far greater if he were not a candidate for the presidency.

Infantino has faced mounting pressure to resign as head of world football’s governing body after his proposal to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments — including the World Cup — was abandoned.

UEFA, the body governing European football, has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, and several continental and national federations have withdrawn their support for Infantino.

Ceferin now believes Infantino’s once‑solid position is jeopardised, predicting that the Swiss official will either have to step down or confront a leadership challenge if he seeks re‑election at the upcoming FIFA Congress in March.

Having previously enjoyed broad support from European nations when he succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016, Infantino now faces a different landscape.

However, Ceferin, who said he has not spoken to Infantino since the controversy erupted, maintains that the current circumstances differ markedly.

“There are two options,” he said.

One possibility is that Infantino acknowledges a lack of support — not only from voters but also from the broader football community, including fans, former players and coaches.

The alternative is that he proceeds to the March elections, at which point he would likely face a challenger, though the identity of such a candidate remains uncertain.

UEFA enjoys backing from regional bodies such as Asia’s AFC and North and Central America and the Caribbean’s CONCACAF.

Infantino seeks support in the Caribbean

Infantino traveled to the Dominican Republic over the weekend for meetings with local and regional football officials, even though Montagliani reportedly urged him to avoid a youth tournament there.

In video remarks released by FIFA on Sunday, the 56‑year‑old Infantino seemed to reference the surrounding controversy.

“It is important to engage, to have a dialogue, to express views and opinions,” he said.

“A lot has been happening the last few weeks, and it’s important that you hear, you listen, and you’re able to also express what your feelings are,” he added.

“So overall I am positive and very, very happy with all the support I receive here.”

Infantino outlined his re‑election manifesto, positioning himself as the champion of poorer football nations.

FIFA has not responded to Al Jazeera’s request for comment on Ceferin’s criticism of Infantino and FIFA.

Infantino has shown no indication of stepping down from the role he has held since 2016 and has made clear that he is banking on appealing to poorer national associations to secure re‑election through 2031.

He enjoys support from African and South American regional blocs and has sought to sideline the confederations, appealing directly to individual members throughout the crisis.

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