Ceferin chooses final UEFA term instead of challenging Infantino for FIFA presidency

Aleksander Ceferin will seek a final term as UEFA president, ending speculation that he could stand against Gianni Infantino in the next FIFA presidential election.

The Slovenian confirmed his intention to remain in charge of European football during a senior executives programme in Berlin. His decision means he will not pursue the FIFA presidency and will instead focus on securing another four-year term at UEFA.

Ceferin had said in February 2024 that he would leave his post after February 2027. He has since reversed that decision, telling attendees in the German capital: “I will run for one final term as UEFA president.”

Ceferin became UEFA president in 2019 and will have completed eight years in the role. Under the organisation’s previous statutes, reaching that length of service would have prevented him from continuing. However, a recent amendment to UEFA’s statutes allows him to remain in office for a further four years.

He still has several months to submit his candidacy formally. UEFA told its member associations this week that the deadline for nominations is 22 January next year.

The election will take place at UEFA’s 50th Ordinary Congress, scheduled for 22 April in Astana. The newly elected president will serve a four-year term.

Ceferin’s decision also leaves open the question of whether UEFA will put forward an alternative candidate to Infantino in the FIFA presidential election. That vote is due to be held on 18 March next year, with nominations closing on 18 November.

No decision on a UEFA-backed challenger to Infantino was announced during the meeting.