Zurich: UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has openly declared his stance on the controversy surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that he is “not interested” in replacing Infantino but emphasizing that the embattled FIFA leader must resign or face a leadership challenge.

According to France24.com, Infantino has been facing mounting pressure to step down as the head of world football’s governing body due to his now-abandoned initiative to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup. UEFA, which is responsible for overseeing European football, has taken a firm stand by threatening a boycott of FIFA competitions. Several continental and national federations have also withdrawn their support for Infantino.

Despite the turmoil, Ceferin has ruled out any intentions of succeeding Infantino. In a recent interview on The Rest is Politics podcast, the 58-year-old Slovenian expressed his devotion to UEFA and his reluctance to take on the FIFA presidency, stating, “I’m not interest
ed because of two reasons. One reason is that I love UEFA and I love working here, and I think that at a certain point … it’s time to also enjoy life a bit. And the second point is, my credibility is much, much higher if I’m not interested in the position.”

Ceferin’s criticism of Infantino has been evident since the latter’s controversial plan to involve private investment in FIFA’s tournament operations was revealed. Ceferin believes that Infantino’s once unassailable position is now at risk. He predicts that if Infantino seeks re-election at the next FIFA Congress in Morocco in March, he will either have to step down or face a leadership contest.

Infantino, who previously served as UEFA secretary general, initially enjoyed widespread support from European nations when he replaced Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016. However, Ceferin has emphasized that the current scenario is markedly different, having not communicated with Infantino since the controversy began. He outlined two potential outcomes: “O
ne option is that he (Infantino) realises that he doesn’t have the support, and that’s not only a political support of the ones who vote, but the political support of the football community, the political support of fans, the political support of the players, former players, coaches. And the second option, 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.”

Speculation is rife regarding potential challengers for Infantino’s position, with CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa emerging as likely contenders.

In the midst of the controversy, Infantino visited the Dominican Republic over the weekend for discussions with local and regional football officials, despite Montagliani reportedly advising him to avoid a youth tournament in the region. In a video released by FIFA on Sunday, Infantino addressed the ongoing turmoil, stating, “It’s important to engage, to have a dialogue, to express
views and opinions. A lot has been happening 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.”