UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has publicly criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino, likening him to the emperor in Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale "The Emperor's New Clothes". Ceferin made the comments during the European Football Clubs (EFC) general assembly in Copenhagen, stating that football has no need for "emperors" and that its governing bodies are custodians, not owners. He emphasized that football is bigger than those who govern it.
Ceferin's criticism comes amid Infantino's failed proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The plan, which was abandoned after widespread opposition, led to UEFA threatening to boycott FIFA-organized tournaments. Although UEFA later suspended the threat, it has continued to express concerns about Infantino's leadership. Ceferin also revealed that UEFA is seeking access to documents related to Infantino's plan in a US court.
Infantino has faced increasing pressure to step down as FIFA president, with several leading European national associations withdrawing their support for his re-election bid. Ceferin has ruled himself out of the running to replace Infantino, but has been a vocal critic of the FIFA president's plans. In his speech, Ceferin emphasized the importance of transparency and cooperation in football governance.
Nasser al-Khelaifi, the Paris Saint-Germain president and chairman of the EFC, expressed support for Ceferin and criticized the time wasted on addressing Infantino's controversies. Al-Khelaifi emphasized that football works when its stakeholders listen to each other and are transparent. He also backed Ceferin's bid for re-election as UEFA president.
The feud between UEFA and FIFA has escalated in recent months, with both sides exchanging accusations. FIFA has accused UEFA of a "misinformation campaign" and attempting to influence the FIFA presidential election scheduled for next year. Ceferin's comments are seen as a significant blow to Infantino's leadership and re-election bid.
Infantino's abandoned plan to create a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise was a major point of contention between UEFA and FIFA. UEFA opposed the plan, citing concerns about the commercialization of football's biggest events. The European body has also gone to a US court to access documents related to Infantino's plan.
The criticism of Infantino's leadership has come from various quarters, with many questioning his vision for football's future. Ceferin's comments have added to the pressure on Infantino, who will face a tough re-election bid next year. The FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place in 2027.
Key points
- UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin criticizes FIFA President Gianni Infantino
- Infantino's abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup sparked controversy
- Ceferin's comments add to pressure on Infantino ahead of FIFA presidential election
