Čeferin to seek final UEFA term as Europe calls for FIFA leadership change

Aleksander Čeferin will seek a fourth and final term as UEFA president, reversing his earlier decision to step down, as European football's governing body called for changes to FIFA's leadership and governance. UEFA confirmed the decision on October 8 following a meeting in Berlin with representatives of its 55 national associations.

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The election will take place at UEFA's congress in Astana, Kazakhstan, on April 22, 2027. UEFA said its member associations had unanimously asked Čeferin to reconsider his departure. In its announcement, he thanked them for their support and identified European unity, strengthening football and preparing the organisation for future leadership as his priorities.

The same meeting produced agreement on a FIFA reform agenda, backed by UEFA and every member association except Azerbaijan. UEFA said the associations had lost confidence in FIFA's current leadership and wanted a replacement capable of building support across regions. Further discussions with associations inside and outside Europe are planned, with another European meeting due before November 17.

BBC Sport reported that Čeferin, first elected in 2016, had said in February 2024 that he would not seek another term. That declaration came during a dispute over changes to UEFA's statutes permitting a fourth term. His new decision follows UEFA's opposition to Gianni Infantino's abandoned proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors.

The BBC also reported that potential Infantino challenger Victor Montagliani intends to seek a final term leading Concacaf instead. Citing sources, it said he had informed colleagues of that intention. Montagliani had never confirmed a FIFA candidacy, while Čeferin has ruled himself out. Infantino intends to seek a fourth term in March, with nominations closing on November 18.

According to the BBC, UEFA's 14-point plan would curb presidential powers, insulate ethics and disciplinary oversight from executive interference and prohibit the use of FIFA resources for personal or electoral purposes. No confirmed challenger to Infantino had emerged at the time of its report. Former Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has expressed an intention to run, but whether he can secure the five supporting letters needed to reach the ballot remains unclear.