As fireworks erupted over New York and cameras flashed across a star-studded final between Chelsea and PSG, one seat remained conspicuously empty. Despite his high-ranking status in global soccer, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin was nowhere to be seen at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, a move that did not go unnoticed and has only intensified speculation over a growing rift between the game’s most powerful institutions.
Though officially a FIFA vice-president due to his UEFA role, Ceferin declined all invitations to the tournament, marking a rare and deliberate absence from one of soccer’s most high-profile events. The reason behind this decision remained unclear at first, sparking intrigue and speculation across the soccer world.
Shadow over the tournament: UEFA’s silent protest
The Club World Cup, hosted in the United States, represented a major step forward in FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s vision of globalizing elite club soccer. The expanded format, glitzy presentation, and strong commercial backing were designed to rival the UEFA Champions League in scale and prestige.
Yet, while continental leaders from South America (CONMEBOL) and Asia (AFC) attended matches and participated in media activities, Ceferin opted to stay away entirely. According to The Athletic, his decision was not logistical—it was political.
“In case you forgot, all the attention of UEFA and its president is currently focused on the Women’s EURO. This is an important event for us, and understandably requires a lot of commitment and attention,” UEFA said in a statement.
However, that reasoning raised eyebrows. Records show that Ceferin only attended one of the first 24 group stage matches in the Women’s Euro 2025, held in Switzerland. Moreover, the Club World Cup kicked off nearly three weeks before the Women’s tournament began, leading many to believe the official explanation was simply a smokescreen.
The real reason: Deep disapproval of FIFA’s growing club ambitions
In truth, Ceferin’s absence is a clear political message. Sources close to UEFA confirm that the president is alarmed by FIFA’s increasing incursion into the club soccer landscape, especially through the expanded Club World Cup and ongoing discussions about turning it into a biennial tournament.
Infantino’s comments at a press conference held at Trump Tower only served to stoke tensions. He openly spoke about wanting more European clubs involved and even suggested holding the tournament every two years.
“For 63 matches, the average is $33m per game. There is no other club competition in the world that comes close. It is already the most successful club competition in all aspects,” the Italian said, citing financial data as evidence of the format’s success.
He name-dropped clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona, Milan, and Napoli as future regulars in the tournament, suggesting a vision that directly challenges UEFA’s stronghold.
