Čeferin rules out running for FIFA president and warns Infantino: there will be a rival

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.

Čeferin insists that his credibility grows by not aspiring to the position. This line allows him to continue applying pressure without it being interpreted as a personal move. His focus remains on UEFA and the work he has been doing there for years.

The tension between confederations

The clash between the two leaders is not new, but the statements made this Monday raise the stakes for 2027. While Infantino seeks to consolidate his continuity, a signal is being sent from Europe that there will be no free path.

The UEFA president avoids speculating about specific names beyond mentioning possible contenders like Montagliani. He prefers to maintain the suspense and let time define who will dare to take the step.

With these statements, Čeferin positions himself as a reference for internal opposition without becoming a candidate himself. His message is clear: he will not go for FIFA, but someone will if Infantino insists on staying.

The scenario is thus set. The elections in March 2027 promise to be more eventful than many anticipated, and the voice of the UEFA president sets the tone for what is to come in the politics of world football.