UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has agreed to seek another term as head of European football’s governing body after reconsidering his earlier decision not to stand for re-election.
UEFA confirmed on October 8, 2026, that the presidents and general secretaries of all 55 member associations had unanimously asked Čeferin to continue leading the organisation beyond 2027.
Čeferin accepted their request and confirmed his intention to stand in the election scheduled for April 22, 2027, during the 51st UEFA Ordinary Congress in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The announcement comes at a significant time for international football, as disagreements over governance, leadership and financial decisions have increased tensions between UEFA and FIFA.
Čeferin has been one of the prominent figures calling for changes in FIFA’s leadership and governance structure. During the Berlin meeting, UEFA’s member associations reiterated their concerns about the direction of global football administration.
The European body argued that FIFA requires leadership that can command confidence across different regions, uphold integrity and independence, and prioritise football development.
UEFA also outlined proposals aimed at strengthening institutional governance, clarifying responsibilities and ensuring that decisions are made transparently.
The organisation’s position reflects broader disagreements over the distribution of power and the management of football’s global resources.
FIFA, which oversees international football and the men’s and women’s World Cups, has significant financial resources and influence over the sport’s international calendar. Decisions made by the organisation affect national associations, professional clubs, players and supporters worldwide.
UEFA’s call for reform has therefore become an important issue in the discussions surrounding FIFA’s next presidential election, scheduled for March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco.
However, UEFA has not publicly identified a candidate to challenge current FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Its associations have instead described the qualities they want in a future leader, including integrity, experience, independence and the ability to unite football’s different regions.
Čeferin’s decision to seek a final term at UEFA does not itself determine the outcome of the FIFA leadership contest, but it means he is prepared to continue playing a major role in European football’s response to the current governance debate.
The coming months are expected to bring further discussions among football associations as they consider leadership candidates and possible reforms.
For UEFA, the priority is to ensure that football’s governing institutions operate transparently and represent the interests of the wider game.
Čeferin’s decision also gives the organisation continuity as it prepares for another election cycle and continues discussions with FIFA over the future direction of international football.
