UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin says he is “not interested” in replacing Gianni Infantino as FIFA president, but has warned that the under-fire leader could face a challenge if he seeks re-election.
Infantino has come under increasing pressure over his now-abandoned plan to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.
UEFA, which oversees European football, has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, while several continental and national federations have reportedly withdrawn their support for Infantino.
However, Čeferin has ruled himself out of a bid to replace Infantino. Speaking on The Rest Is Politics podcast, the 58-year-old Slovenian said he loves his role at UEFA and believes his position is stronger if he is not seeking the FIFA presidency.
Čeferin has been vocal in his criticism since Infantino revealed plans to seek private investment in a company that would run FIFA tournaments.
He now believes Infantino’s previously secure position is under threat, forecasting that the FIFA president will either have to step down or face a leadership challenge if he seeks re-election at the next FIFA Congress in Morocco in March.
Infantino, a former UEFA secretary general, had strong backing from European nations when he succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016.
However, Čeferin, who says he has not spoken to Infantino since the controversy began, insists the situation is now very different.
“There are two options,” he said.
“One option is that he (Infantino) realises that he doesn’t have the support, and that’s not only political support from those who vote, but the political support of the football community, fans, players, former players and coaches.
“And the second option is that he goes to the elections in March, but in that case I think he will have a candidate against him. I don’t know yet who.”
CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa are considered two of the potential challengers for Infantino’s position.
Infantino Says He Has Support
Infantino was in the Dominican Republic over the weekend for meetings with local and regional football officials, despite reports that Montagliani had asked him to stay away from a youth tournament there.
In video remarks released by FIFA on Sunday, the 56-year-old Infantino appeared to refer to the controversy surrounding his leadership.
“It’s important to engage, to have a dialogue, to express views and opinions,” he said.
“A lot has been happening in the last few weeks and it’s important that you hear, you listen, and you’re able to also express what your feelings are.
“So I think overall positive, very, very happy with all the support I get here.”