**Title: UEFA President Ceferin Expresses Continued Distrust in FIFA Following Investment Controversy**
**Date: September 23, 2026**
In a recent address at the Portugal Football Summit, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin voiced his concerns regarding the state of trust within the world of football, particularly in light of FIFA's failed private investment plan. Ceferin's remarks come as FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempts to navigate the fallout from the controversial proposal, which sought to sell a significant stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including those associated with the World Cup.
Ceferin emphasized that the collapse of the investment initiative has not restored confidence among football stakeholders. He stated, “The project that shattered the unity of world football may be abolished, but the trust it broke has not returned, and repairing it is our work now.” While he refrained from directly naming Infantino or FIFA, his comments were clearly directed at the governing body's recent decisions.
The contentious investment plan, which was abandoned in July, faced intense opposition from various football organizations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF. Critics argued that the proposal undermined the integrity of the sport, with Ceferin reiterating UEFA's long-standing position that “Football is not for sale.” He highlighted the importance of unity, transparency, and governance that prioritizes the broader football community over individual ambitions.
In his address, Ceferin outlined the three pillars of trust in football: unity, transparency, and governance that serves the many, not the few. He lamented that these principles had been overlooked by those in positions of power, stating, “Yet not everyone places the game above their own ambitions.” His remarks underscore a growing frustration among football leaders regarding governance issues and the need for accountability within FIFA.
Infantino's response to the criticism includes a proposal for an independent external review of FIFA's governance framework, aimed at enhancing decision-making processes and improving transparency. In a letter to the FIFA Council and member associations, he suggested consultations with various stakeholders to address the concerns raised by the investment proposal. However, this initiative has yet to garner support from several federations that remain skeptical of Infantino's leadership.
Despite the challenges facing FIFA, Infantino has expressed his commitment to leading the organization and is expected to run for re-election in March 2027. As the situation unfolds, Ceferin's call for a return to fundamental principles in football governance resonates with many stakeholders who seek to restore integrity and trust in the sport.
As UEFA continues to advocate for the interests of football, the ongoing dialogue surrounding governance and accountability will likely shape the future of international football relations. Ceferin's remarks serve as a reminder of the critical need for unity and transparency in the sport, as stakeholders work towards rebuilding trust in the wake of recent controversies.