Sport · World News Bureau
UEFA Chief Rules Out FIFA Presidency Bid, Calls on Infantino to Step Down
European football leader Aleksander Ceferin has decided against challenging FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the upcoming election, saying he wants to preserve his credibility in the sport. However, Ceferin has signaled that Infantino will face opposition from other candidates.
LSN World News ·
Aleksander Ceferin, president of the Union of European Football Associations, announced on Wednesday that he will not enter the race to lead world football's governing body, despite mounting pressure from some quarters for him to challenge the incumbent Infantino.
In a statement, Ceferin indicated that his decision stems from a desire to maintain his standing within European football and avoid the divisive nature of a direct confrontation for the FIFA presidency. "I don't want to lose credibility by running for FIFA president," Ceferin said, emphasizing his commitment to strengthening UEFA's position independently.
Despite stepping back from a personal bid, Ceferin made clear that Infantino's tenure will face scrutiny and competition. The UEFA chief suggested that other candidates are likely to emerge to challenge the FIFA president's re-election, indicating broader dissatisfaction with the current leadership within international football circles.
The FIFA presidential election is expected to take place in 2026, with Infantino eligible to seek another term. Ceferin's decision narrows the immediate pool of potential challengers but does not foreclose the possibility of a contested election for the world's most powerful football position.