Ceferin Calls on Infantino to Step Down as FIFA Battle Deepens

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has presented his re-election platform as a champion of poorer soccer nations amid criticism of his now-abandoned proposal to create a commercial body for FIFA tournament rights and sell a 20% stake to private investors.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has ruled out running for the FIFA presidency but has suggested that Infantino step down and expects an opposition candidate to emerge ahead of the March election.

Ceferin accused Infantino of portraying the dispute as a battle between Europe and poorer nations. “But I think someone should remind him (Infantino) that he is a European, and that he was supported by UEFA, which he forgot.”

UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF are also considering a no-confidence vote. Opposition has come from smaller European federations, while six Nordic FIFA members have issued a joint statement backing calls for Infantino’s resignation.

Infantino, who has support from the African and South American regional blocs, says his goal is to narrow the gap between wealthy and poorer associations. Ceferin rejected claims that Europe was obstructing the development of poorer soccer nations.

(Reuters, max)