Aleksander Ceferin condemns Gianni Infantino over World Cup stake sale
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has fiercely criticised Gianni Infantino’s abandoned proposal to sell a stake in the Fifa World Cup, labelling the commercial plan as worse than the European Super League.
Earlier this month, the world governing body scrapped controversial plans to create a new commercial entity that would have seen a private investment firm acquire 21% of its ticketing and commercial rights.
European football’s governing body orchestrated heavy opposition to the proposal, with member nations threatening a complete boycott of future global tournaments.
“I think this plan is even worse than the Super League plan.”
The 58-year-old Slovenian administrator stressed that while the failed 2021 breakaway league was damaging to the sport, the new commercial proposal would have literally sold football to private interests.
European associations withdraw support
The fallout from the aborted Fifa Forward Enterprise project has severely damaged the standing of the 56-year-old Swiss executive across the continent.
All four home nations have officially withdrawn their support for the current president, reflecting a widespread loss of confidence in his leadership.
The former lawyer revealed he was given no prior warning about the commercial restructuring, first learning of the proposed global sale through media reports while on a family holiday.
“He didn’t contact me since this happened.”
He suggested his counterpart deliberately portrays European football as arrogant in order to garner favour and political backing from smaller, less wealthy associations.
“But I think someone should remind him that he is a European, and that he was supported by Uefa, which he forgot.”
Global lobbying and future elections
Following the severe backlash, the former Uefa general secretary has embarked on a worldwide tour in a desperate bid to rebuild his political capital.
Recent appearances include a strategic meeting with Caribbean officials in the Dominican Republic and attendance at a major E-Sports event in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
Despite the escalating institutional feud between the sport’s most powerful figures, the Uefa chief confirmed he will not challenge for the global presidency in March 2027.
“I’m not interested because of two reasons. One reason is that I love Uefa and I love working here, and I think that at a certain point it’s time also to enjoy life a bit.”
He added that maintaining his current position without actively seeking higher office ultimately preserves his credibility while navigating these complex political conflicts.