UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has warned that FIFA president Gianni Infantino could face a leadership challenge if he decides to seek re-election amid growing opposition to his leadership.
Ceferin, however, ruled himself out of replacing Infantino, saying he remains committed to UEFA and has no interest in becoming FIFA president. He added that staying outside the contest would also protect his credibility.
The UEFA chief has been increasingly critical of Infantino following controversy surrounding the FIFA president’s abandoned plan to secure private investment to run certain FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.
Ceferin said Infantino had two choices: step aside after recognising that he no longer had broad support, or contest the next FIFA election and potentially face an opponent.
He pointed to the importance of support not only from football federations but also from players, coaches, former players and fans.
The FIFA presidency election is expected to take place at the organisation’s Congress in Morocco in March. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa have been mentioned as possible challengers.
Infantino has continued to defend his position and recently travelled to the Dominican Republic for football-related engagements. In a video message, he said dialogue and listening remained important and expressed satisfaction with the support he had received.
The growing disagreement between FIFA and UEFA leadership could therefore become an important issue ahead of the next FIFA presidential election.
