Gianni Infantino's chances of being re-elected as FIFA president next year have been boosted after his biggest rival, Aleksander Ceferin, decided not to challenge him.
Ceferin has been Infantino's most vocal critic since the FIFA chief was implicated in the attempt to sell off stakes in tournaments, including the World Cup. As head of UEFA, Ceferin has led attempts to unite FIFA members in opposition of Infantino, who has so far clung onto power in the wake of controversy.
Ceferin's U-turn
Infantino has been busy trying to canvas support since his reputation took a beating in the wake of the World Cup sale scandal. Ceferin, meanwhile, has been leading calls for Infantino to be ousted as FIFA president and has been suggested by some as his most likely replacement when the FIFA presidential elections are held in March.
However, it was announced on Thursday that Ceferin had decided to stand for re-election as UEFA president for a fourth term in April, having been asked to do so by member associations. It is a significant U-turn from the Slovenian, who stated in 2024 that he would not seek re-election, despite UEFA changing its rules to allow it.
“I want to thank the national associations for their trust,” the 58-year-old said. “We have faced extraordinary challenges over the past years, and we have faced them as one team. There is still important work ahead, and I have therefore accepted their request. My ambition remains the same: to keep European football united, make our game stronger and leave UEFA ready for the next generation.”
No credible rival emerges
UEFA remains steadfast in demanding change at the top of FIFA, but with Ceferin sticking to his current role, a credible alternative candidate has yet to emerge.
And Infantino's chances of winning a fourth term were further enhanced with news from elsewhere on Thursday. Victor Montagliani is also set to go for re-election as CONCACAF president, rather than oppose Infantino, who met with the heads of African FAs in Cape Verde and received their support.
Candidates have until November 18 to make themselves known – as ex-Tottenham defender Ramon Vega did this week – but they know it will require widespread backing to topple Infantino.
UEFA's position
UEFA remains the most influential power broker and Ceferin will now have to rally his nations behind a rival candidate. Despite his ambition, it remains unclear if Vega can gain the five letters of support required to get on the ballot paper.
“Institutional reform will not, on its own, be enough,” UEFA said in a statement. “FIFA also needs new leadership: a respected and unifying figure, deeply rooted in football, with the vision and experience to lead, the ability to command confidence across regions and an unequivocal commitment to development, reform, integrity and independence.”
Back in August, UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) all united in opposition of Infantino. But the Swiss bureaucrat has since received the backing of the African power block, while he also has pockets of other alliances.
