Ceferin Warns Infantino of Leadership Challenge Ahead

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin stated he is “not interested” in replacing FIFA president Gianni Infantino but warned that Infantino must resign or face a leadership challenge. Infantino has faced increasing scrutiny over his now-abandoned plan to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.

Ceferin noted that UEFA and several national federations have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, indicating a loss of support for Infantino. He mentioned that Infantino's position is now vulnerable, forecasting that if Infantino seeks re-election at the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2024, he will likely face a challenger.

Ceferin has not communicated with Infantino since the controversy began and emphasized that Infantino must recognize his diminished support from the football community, including fans and players. Potential challengers for Infantino's position include CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa.