UEFA sets out FIFA reform plan as Ceferin seeks fourth term

UEFA has set out a 14-point programme to reform FIFA while Aleksander Ceferin has confirmed he will seek a fourth term as president of European football's governing body. BBC Sport reported on October 8 that Ceferin announced his decision to representatives of all 55 UEFA national associations at a meeting in Berlin, where the organisation renewed its call for a change in FIFA leadership.

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The reform programme was backed by UEFA and 54 of its member associations, with Azerbaijan the exception. According to the BBC, the proposals would reduce some powers held directly by the FIFA president and strengthen the independence of bodies responsible for ethics and disciplinary oversight. UEFA also wants FIFA resources kept separate from personal or election interests and has called for at least $10 million in additional funding for each of the organisation's 211 member associations.

Ceferin's decision reverses the position he announced in February 2024, when he said he would not pursue another term. First elected in 2016, he was then involved in a dispute over changes to UEFA's statutes that allowed him to serve a fourth term. Explaining his latest decision, Ceferin said national associations had asked him to continue and pointed to unfinished work and the importance of European football remaining united.

He has ruled out challenging Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency himself. UEFA is instead seeking a candidate who can attract support across regions ahead of the March election. The deadline for identifying a challenger is November 18, and the BBC reported that no confirmed opponent to Infantino had yet emerged.

That search comes as Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is reportedly preparing to seek a final term in his current role. Citing sources, the BBC said he had informed colleagues of that intention, a development first reported by the Guardian. Montagliani had been viewed as a potential FIFA challenger but had never publicly confirmed a bid.

The leadership dispute follows opposition to Infantino's abandoned proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Former Switzerland and Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has said he intends to run for FIFA president, but the BBC reported uncertainty over whether he could secure the five supporting letters needed to appear on the ballot.