Ceferin Warns Infantino Must Quit Or Face Challenge

Aleksander Ceferin, the head of European football, says he will not run against Gianni Infantino for FIFA president yet. He insists his credibility depends on staying out of the race but warns that Infantino must quit or face a challenge. The 58-year-old Slovenian told *The Rest is Politics* podcast on Monday that he has no interest in replacing the under-fire world leader.

"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," Ceferin said. "And the second point is, my credibility is much, much higher if I'm not interested in the position."

Infantino faces growing pressure after abandoning his plan to bring private investment into FIFA tournaments like the World Cup. UEFA has threatened to boycott these events while several national federations have pulled their support. Ceferin believes Infantino's once-solid grip on power is cracking now. The Swiss president will need to step down or find a challenger if he seeks re-election at the next congress in Morocco this March.

Infantino earned broad backing from European nations when he took over from Sepp Blatter in 2016. That support looks different today, Ceferin insists, noting they have not spoken since the controversy began. "There are two options," he said. "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."

"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."

Victor Montagliani leads CONCACAF and Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa heads the Asian Football Confederation. Both are seen as likely challengers for Infantino's seat. Infantino traveled to the Dominican Republic recently to meet officials there despite reports that Montagliani asked him to avoid a youth tournament in the region.

In video remarks released on Sunday, the 56-year-old leader addressed the storm surrounding his name. "It's 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 expressed happiness with the support he receives and framed his re-election campaign around championing poorer football nations. FIFA did not answer requests for comment on Ceferin's remarks. Infantino has shown no sign of leaving the role he has held since 2016. He is counting on appeal to less wealthy national associations to secure votes until 2031. He already holds support from African and South American blocs while trying to bypass regional confederations to reach individual members directly during this crisis.