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OtherAugust 24, 2026

Infantino must remember that he is European,

Ceferin speaks in an interview about Infantino's European identity and why he needs to remember it.

Infantino has to remember that he is European,

According to News.

Background

The clash between Ceferin and Infantino reflects the broader discussion about identity and values in European football. Ceferin, as president of UEFA, represents the interests of European football clubs, while Infantino tries to position FIFA globally. This dynamic could influence future collaboration between the two organizations.

Why this is important

Ceferin's comments highlight tensions between UEFA and FIFA, particularly over the commercialization of football. Infantino, as FIFA president, is under pressure to uphold European values ​​while trying to develop new sources of revenue. This debate could have far-reaching implications for the future organization of international tournaments and the role of European football clubs.

Key findings

  • Infantino has to remember that he is European.
  • Ceferin speaks in an interview about Infantino's European identity and why he needs to remember it.
  • Gianni Infantino must remember he is European after attempts to sell World Cup stake, says Aleksander Ceferin - BBC.
Aleksander Ceferin, the president of the European Football Union (UEFA), has criticized Gianni Infantino for his recent behavior. In an interview with the British newspaper The Times, Ceferin said that the FIFA president needs to remember that he is European. Ceferin was referring to Infantino's attempts to open the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico to shares from investors. This should be about a so-called “stake”, i.e. shares that investors would hold in the tournament. These could then be monetized by investors, for example through advertising or other sources of income. "If you are a European, you have to worry about European values, not the values ​​of the rest of the world," Ceferin said. "It's very strange to me that someone who comes from Europe would suggest such things. I've never heard that in my life." FIFA rejected Ceferin's statements, describing them as "completely inappropriate." A FIFA spokesman said: "FIFA has always respected the European Football Union and will continue to do so. It is regrettable to see the President of UEFA pursuing a policy of division with such personal attacks." The conflict between UEFA and FIFA has continued to grow in recent years. FIFA wanted to organize the World Cup tournament every two years, which UEFA and the South American association CONMEBOL rejected. FIFA's decision to host the 2026 World Cup with 48 teams also caused discontent in Europe, as only 16 starting places for the World Cup were allocated there. Ceferin said that Infantino's attempts to find investors for the 2026 World Cup were another example of the FIFA president not looking at the European associations. "He sees no value in Europe, he sees no reason to care about Europe," Ceferin said. "That's why I said he should remember his roots." Infantino was born in Switzerland but has Italian roots. His home club is FC Basel. He was elected FIFA President in 2016 and has served in that position ever since. His mandate was extended in 2023. Ceferin and Infantino have been close in the past. Ceferin was elected UEFA president in 2016, shortly after Infantino became FIFA president. But in recent years there have been repeated conflicts between the two.

What happens next

It remains to be seen how Infantino will respond to Ceferin's criticism and whether this can lead to a dialogue between FIFA and UEFA. Given the growing tensions, there could also be further conflicts over the structure and organization of future tournaments. The European football community will be watching closely to see whether Infantino will adjust his views or whether differences will remain.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Aleksander Ceferin?

Aleksander Ceferin is the President of the European Football Union (UEFA).

What did Ceferin say about Gianni Infantino?

Ceferin criticized Infantino and said he needed to remember that he was European.

What is the dispute between UEFA and FIFA?

The dispute between UEFA and FIFA has intensified in recent years, particularly over FIFA's plans to host the World Cup every two years and to host the 2026 World Cup with 48 teams.

What does it mean that the 2026 World Cup should be opened to investors?

It means that investors could hold shares in the tournament that they can monetize, for example ch advertising or other sources of income.

How did FIFA react to Ceferin's statements?

FIFA rejected Ceferin's statements as 'completely inappropriate' and stressed that it respects UEFA.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

Who is Aleksander Ceferin?
Aleksander Ceferin is the President of the European Football Union (UEFA).
What did Ceferin say about Gianni Infantino?
Ceferin has criticized Infantino, saying he needs to remember that he is European.
What is the dispute between UEFA and FIFA?
The dispute between UEFA and FIFA has intensified in recent years, particularly over FIFA's plans to stage the World Cup every two years and host the 2026 World Cup with 48 teams.
What does it mean that the 2026 World Cup will be opened to investors?
It means investors could hold shares in the tournament that they can monetize, for example through advertising or other revenue streams.
How did FIFA react to Ceferin's statements?
FIFA rejected Ceferin's statements as 'completely inappropriate' and stressed that it respects UEFA.