Aleksander Čeferin made it clear that he will not seek the FIFA presidency in the elections of March 2027. The Slovenian leader, at the helm of UEFA, prefers to remain in his current role and maintain a critical voice against Gianni Infantino, the current president of the world's top football governing body.
In an interview for the podcast The Rest is Politics, Čeferin explained his reasons candidly. "I am not interested. I like UEFA and the work I do there. My credibility is much greater if I am not interested in that position," said the European president, whose term also ends next year.
The decision comes amid a strong clash with Infantino. Despite the differences, Čeferin chose not to make the leap and to keep his position as an opponent from the continental confederation. That stance, according to him, gives him more weight when questioning the decisions of the governing body.
At the same time, the Slovenian did not rule out the possibility of real competition. If Infantino confirms his reelection, there will be someone to challenge him. "I think we will have a candidate against him. I still don't know who," he stated clearly.
An open scenario for 2027
Among the names circulating as possible candidates is Victor Montagliani, the president of CONCACAF. Although Čeferin did not confirm any specific figure, he left the door open for someone to challenge the current president for the position.
The UEFA leader's stance reinforces the idea that the next FIFA congress will not be a mere formality. With his term also about to expire, Čeferin prioritizes work in Europe and avoids mixing his figure with a potential candidacy that, in his view, would undermine the strength of his criticisms.
