Ceferin Declines FIFA Bid, Urges Infantino to Resign or Face Challenge

During a British podcast interview, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin announced he will not enter the race for FIFA president, despite speculation about his candidacy. He warned incumbent Gianni Infantino that he faces a choice: resign voluntarily or confront a challenger in the March election. Infantino’s standing has weakened after his failed proposal to sell World Cup shares to private-equity investors, prompting accusations of deception from three continental bodies and a possible UEFA boycott of FIFA events.

Ceferin said his loyalty lies with UEFA and that maintaining a reputation of impartiality is crucial for his credibility. He added that, if Infantino runs, a rival candidate will emerge, though he did not identify who that might be. The FIFA nomination deadline is set for November 18.