UEFA chief Ceferin rules out FIFA bid, but warns Infantino: ‘Quit or face rival’
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out a bid for the FIFA presidency but warned incumbent Gianni Infantino that he faces a potential challenger in the next election. The tension stems from opposition to Infantino's controversial proposal to sell FIFA commercial rights to private equity firms.
Why it matters
The internal power struggle within global football governance reflects broader debates over the commercialization of sports and the accountability of international governing bodies.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out challenging Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency but delivered his strongest warning yet to the world football chief, saying Infantino must either step down or face a challenger at next year’s election.Infantino has come under mounting pressure following his now-abandoned proposal to sell a stake in the commercial and ticketing rights of FIFA competitions to private equity investors. The plan triggered fierce opposition from UEFA and other continental confederations, with European football’s governing body even threatening a boycott of FIFA competitions.Ceferin, widely regarded as a potential challenger to Infantino, said he had no intention of pursuing the top FIFA job.
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