UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin will seek a fourth term in office, reversing his previous decision not to contest another election as head of European football’s governing body.
Key Highlights
- Aleksander Ceferin will seek a fourth term as UEFA president.
- The Slovenian previously said he would not contest another term.
- Ceferin announced his latest decision during a UEFA meeting in Berlin.
- He was first elected UEFA president in 2016.
- His decision comes amid growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- Ceferin has ruled out contesting the FIFA presidency himself.
Ceferin Reverses Fourth-Term Decision
Ceferin, 58, announced his intention to seek another term during a meeting involving presidents and delegates from UEFA’s 55 member associations in Berlin.
The Slovenian was first elected UEFA president in 2016 and had previously announced in February 2024 that he would not seek a fourth term.
His earlier decision came amid controversy surrounding changes to UEFA statutes that could potentially have allowed him to remain in office for another term.
However, speculation that Ceferin could reconsider his position had increased in recent months.
UEFA-FIFA Tensions Add to Election Focus
Ceferin’s decision comes against the backdrop of growing tensions between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
UEFA has been involved in efforts to challenge aspects of Infantino’s leadership, particularly over proposals involving private investment in FIFA competitions.
The differences between the two football governing bodies have added a political dimension to Ceferin’s decision to remain at the helm of UEFA.
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Ceferin Rules Out FIFA Presidency Bid
Despite his disagreements with Infantino, Ceferin has ruled out contesting the FIFA presidency himself.
He has, however, indicated that he wants to help identify a candidate capable of uniting sections of the football community in opposition to Infantino when the FIFA presidential election is held in March.
His decision to remain in UEFA leadership could therefore have implications beyond European football, particularly as the relationship between UEFA and FIFA continues to attract attention.
Fourth-Term Bid to Dominate UEFA Politics
Ceferin’s decision to seek a fourth term is expected to become a major focus of European football politics ahead of the UEFA presidential election.
His return to the race marks a significant reversal from his 2024 announcement and sets the stage for further debate among UEFA’s member associations over the future leadership of European football.
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