Fourth term and a clash with Infantino: Europe seeks a leader to bring about change

Manos Staramopoulos • 11 de octubre de 2026

In Berlin, Aleksander Čeferin put an end to speculation about his departure and opened a new chapter in the conflict between European football and FIFA.

In Berlin, Aleksander Čeferin put an end to speculation about his departure and opened a new chapter in the conflict between European football and FIFA. The Slovenian announced to the heads of the 55 national associations that he would seek a fourth presidential term, reversing his earlier pledge to step down in 2027. His aim is now to remain at the helm of UEFA until 2031.

This shift had been paved by public expressions of support for him—notably from Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the Qatari president of Paris Saint-Germain and the European Club Association (ECA). The path had been cleared by statutory changes approved in Paris in 2024. Now, Čeferin frames his decision to stay as a response to the confidence shown by the associations and the need to continue work he considers unfinished.

In thanking the national associations, he recalled the unprecedented challenges of recent years. His ambition, as he explained, remains the unity of European football and the handover of a UEFA prepared for the next generation. However, his candidacy carries particular weight given the climate of conflict with Gianni Infantino.

The UEFA president ruled out the possibility of running for the FIFA presidency himself. He did, however, pledge to find a figure around whom opposition to the current leadership could rally. This task has become more difficult following Victor Montagliani's decision to seek another term at CONCACAF.

The Canadian had been considered a strong potential candidate, even though he had not officially announced a bid. His decision strengthens Infantino's position and leaves his opponents with less time. The November 18 deadline is approaching, and while Ramón Vega intends to enter the race, actually securing the five required letters of support remains a separate issue.

Meanwhile, UEFA is attempting to give substance to the conflict. Together with 54 federations—with the exception of Azerbaijan—it has agreed on a 14-point reform plan. At its core lie the curbing of concentrated power and the strengthening of institutional safeguards. The failed FIFA Forward Enterprise project (which envisioned private investors acquiring rights to football’s commercial assets )continues to strain relations between the two organizations. The European side is calling for independent oversight bodies free from presidential or administrative interference, as well as a ban on using funds for personal or electoral purposes. It also proposes additional funding for the 211 member associations.

For UEFA, institutional changes must be accompanied by new leadership: a figure with roots in football, international standing, integrity, and the ability to restore trust.

The two electoral processes are now moving in parallel. FIFA is heading toward its March election, while UEFA is preparing for the Astana Congress in April. Čeferin has chosen to remain at the helm of European football. The question remains whether he will find, in time, a candidate capable of challenging for the global leadership role.