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UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin has said he is “not interested” in replacing Gianni Infantino, but has warned the under-fire FIFA president must either quit or face a leadership challenge in March.

Infantino has come under increasing pressure to step down as the head of world football’s global governing body over his now-abandoned plan to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.

Meanwhile UEFA, which oversees the running of European football, has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, with several continental and national federations also withdrawing their support for Infantino.

But Ceferin ruled himself out of a bid to take Infantino’s place as the chief of world football, the 58-year-old Slovenian on Monday telling The Rest is Politics podcast: “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 to also enjoy life a bit.

“And the second point is, my credibility is much, much higher if I’m not interested in the position.”

Ceferin has been vocal in his criticism since Infantino revealed his controversial plans to seek private investment in a company to run FIFA tournaments.
He now believes Infantino’s previously impregnable position is under threat, with Ceferin forecasting he will have to stand down or face a leadership challenge if he seeks re-election at the next FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2027.

Infantino, a former UEFA secretary general, had the broad backing of European nations when he succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016.

But Ceferin, who revealed he has not spoken to Infantino since the start of the controversy, insisted the current situation was very different.

“There are two options,” he said. “One option is that he (Infantino) realises that he doesn’t have the support, and that’s not only a political support of the ones who vote, but the political support of football community, the political support of fans, the political support of the players, former players, coaches.
“And the second option that he goes to the elections in March, but in that case, I think he will have a candidate against him. I don’t know yet who.”

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC boss Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa are considered two of the most likely challengers for Infantino’s position.

AFP

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Former Black Stars captain André “Dede” Ayew has responded to growing calls for him to consider contesting for the presidency of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The discussion surrounding Ayew’s possible move into football administration gained attention after some football personalities and observers suggested that his extensive experience could make him a suitable candidate for the position.

However, Ayew has indicated that becoming GFA president is not currently his focus.

The former Ghana captain’s comments come after sports journalist Dan Kwaku Yeboah argued that Ayew’s long career in professional football had given him valuable experience that could potentially qualify him for a future leadership role within Ghanaian football.

Ayew has spent much of his career at the highest level of the game, representing clubs in different countries and competing in major international competitions with the Black Stars. He has also served as captain of Ghana’s senior national team, a role that exposed him to different aspects of football management, leadership and player relations.

Despite this experience, Ayew appears to be keeping his attention away from the GFA presidency for the time being.

His response is likely to ease some of the speculation surrounding his political or administrative ambitions within Ghanaian football. While supporters may see him as a potential future leader of the association, there has been no indication that he is preparing to launch a campaign for the position.

The debate over Ayew’s possible GFA presidency comes at a time when discussions about the future direction of Ghana football remain prominent.

Some football enthusiasts believe former players can bring valuable perspectives to football administration because of their direct experience on the field. Others argue that leadership of the association requires a broad understanding of administration, governance, finance and the development of football structures.

Ayew’s career gives him considerable knowledge of the game. He has played alongside and against some of the world’s leading footballers and has experienced different football systems during his time abroad.

His years with the Black Stars have also made him one of the most recognisable figures in Ghanaian football.

Nevertheless, the 36-year-old has not indicated that he intends to immediately transition from playing football into administration.

His latest comments therefore suggest that, for now, the possibility of contesting the GFA presidency remains a matter of public discussion rather than an announced personal ambition.

The former captain has enjoyed a distinguished international career, having represented Ghana at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA World Cup competitions. His leadership of the national team has also made him an influential figure among Ghanaian football supporters.

Calls for him to enter football administration are therefore likely to continue, particularly as the country discusses how to improve the management and development of the sport.

For now, however, Ayew’s position appears clear: he is not currently focused on pursuing the presidency of the Ghana Football Association.

Whether his stance changes in the future remains uncertain. His extensive experience means he could potentially play a role in football administration if he chooses to do so after his playing career.

For the moment, the former Black Stars captain has chosen to distance himself from the speculation, leaving the conversation about his possible GFA presidency as one for the future.

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Ghana and South Africa have discovered their opponents in the preliminary phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Off Tournament following Thursday’s draw in Zurich, Switzerland.

The two African nations are among six teams that will compete in the preliminary phase for places in the final phase of the intercontinental playoffs. The others are Ecuador, Uzbekistan, Papua New Guinea and Chinese Taipei.

The draw, sighted on FIFA’s website on Sunday, was held at the body’s headquarters in Zurich on August 20, 2026.

There are three groups of two teams, with each team scheduled to play three matches.

Full draw
Group A

Uzbekistan
South Africa