Aleksander Čeferin Rules Out FIFA Presidency Bid, Urges Infantino to Quit

Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) President challenging International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, but has warned the world football chief that he must either recognise that he has lost the confidence of the football community and step down, or contest the March 2027 election against an opponent. His intervention comes as a growing coalition of football associations questions Infantino’s leadership, governance style and plans to bring private investment into the World Cup’s commercial structure.

Čeferin made the remarks on The Rest Is Politics: Leading, saying Infantino could either resign or face a challenger. The 58-year-old Slovenian ruled himself out, saying he loves his work at UEFA and believes remaining outside the race strengthens his credibility. Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is seeking a fourth term through 2031.

The dispute centres on the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, which proposed attracting private investment into commercial rights linked to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. The proposal triggered fierce opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), which accused FIFA of inadequate consultation. UEFA even threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions. Infantino eventually withdrew the plan, but the governance dispute continued.

Čeferin has compared the proposal with the European Super League, saying the FIFA initiative was even more damaging. Six Nordic associations Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands have now declared they have lost confidence in Infantino. They are demanding governance reforms, binding guarantees against private ownership of FIFA competitions and an independent external review of the FFE episode. Denmark has also pledged to seek a credible alternative candidate.

The potential challenge is complicated by Victor Montagliani, the CONCACAF president and FIFA vice-president, who is being discussed as a possible rival. Tensions surfaced when Montagliani asked Infantino not to attend a youth tournament in the Dominican Republic. Infantino nevertheless attended and used the visit to highlight FIFA's development work.

That episode highlights the other side of the contest. Infantino is actively seeking support among less affluent football nations, arguing that FIFA must narrow global financial disparities and expand development opportunities. He retains backing across parts of Africa, South America and other regions, meaning UEFA's opposition alone cannot determine an election among FIFA's 211 member associations.

The FIFA election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco, with nominations closing on November 18, 2026. The central battle now is whether Infantino's opponents can unite behind one candidate. Čeferin may not seek the presidency, but his decision could make him a kingmaker in an increasingly contested struggle over FIFA's future direction, commercialisation and governance.