Ceferin Warns Infantino Could Face FIFA Leadership Challenge.

UEFA President Rules Himself Out of Race but Calls for Change at FIFA.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has ruled himself out of challenging FIFA President Gianni Infantino in next year’s FIFA presidential election, but warned that Infantino could face an opposition candidate if he decides to seek another term. Čeferin made the comments on August 24, 2026, amid growing tensions between FIFA’s leadership and several football governing bodies.

Čeferin said he was not interested in becoming FIFA president, explaining that he remains committed to UEFA and does not want to pursue the position. His decision removes one of the most prominent potential challengers to Infantino, but the Slovenian official made clear that he still believes the FIFA president is facing serious opposition within the football community.

Infantino Under Pressure After Controversial Investment Plan.

Infantino has faced increasing criticism following FIFA’s now-abandoned proposal to create a private investment structure around the organisation’s commercial rights, including rights connected to the World Cup. Čeferin strongly criticised the proposal, describing it as worse than the European Super League project that caused major controversy in European football several years ago.

The plan triggered opposition from UEFA and other football organisations, with concerns surrounding transparency, governance and the potential commercialisation of major FIFA competitions. Although FIFA eventually abandoned the proposal, the controversy has continued to damage relations between Infantino and some influential football officials.

FIFA Election Could Become More Competitive.

Infantino has indicated that he intends to seek another term when FIFA holds its presidential election in March 2027 in Morocco. He has remained influential among several football associations, particularly in Africa and other regions that have benefited from FIFA’s expanded development programmes.

However, Čeferin’s warning suggests that Infantino may not enjoy the uncontested election that had previously appeared possible. While no confirmed challenger has been announced, several names have been discussed as possible candidates, including CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani.

A Wider Battle Over the Direction of World Football.

The dispute goes beyond the relationship between Čeferin and Infantino. It reflects a wider disagreement over how FIFA should be governed and how the enormous commercial value of international football should be managed.

For Čeferin and his allies, greater transparency and consultation are essential. Infantino, meanwhile, continues to present FIFA as an organisation focused on expanding football’s global reach and directing more resources towards developing football nations.

The FIFA election is still months away, but the political battle has already begun. Čeferin may have ruled himself out, yet his warning that Infantino could face a challenger means the 2027 election could become one of the most closely watched leadership contests in world football.