Ceferin Reverses Decision, Will Seek Fourth Uefa Term
Aleksander Ceferin has announced he will run for a fourth term as Uefa president, reversing his earlier pledge to step down. He informed national association leaders at a meeting in Berlin. Uefa also presented a 14-point plan to reform Fifa and reaffirmed its opposition to Gianni Infantino.
Ceferin first took Uefa’s top job in 2016. His latest decision came during a Berlin gathering of leaders from all 55 national associations. It reverses the position he stated in February 2024, when he was under scrutiny over a statute change that would permit another term.
Uefa’s reform package for Fifa has backing from 54 associations, with Azerbaijan not joining. It proposes curbing presidential influence, shielding ethics and disciplinary oversight, banning use of Fifa funds for personal or election purposes, and adding at least $10m for each of Fifa’s 211 members. Infantino’s re-election bid is set for March, with no confirmed rival; Ramon Vega has signalled intent but may struggle to secure five supporting nominations.
The decision may shape how European soccer is governed through the next World Cup cycle, affecting national associations, clubs, players and supporters who rely on Uefa competitions and funding. A contested Fifa election could influence global tournament decisions, development money and trust in football institutions. If reform proposals advance, they could alter presidential power and oversight, though outcomes remain uncertain and depend on whether member associations unite behind an alternative candidate.