The Slovenian football chief had travelled to Mexico City for the tournament’s opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa but decided not to attend the final at the New Jersey Stadium.
His decision came after a series of disagreements between UEFA and FIFA, including controversial disciplinary decisions, proposed competition changes and the introduction of a World Cup half-time show.
Balogun suspension decision sparks anger
One of the biggest factors behind Ceferin’s boycott was FIFA’s decision involving United States striker Folarin Balogun.
UEFA strongly criticised FIFA after Balogun avoided suspension following an intervention involving US President Donald Trump.
In a statement, UEFA described the decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” warning that inconsistent rule enforcement could damage the credibility of football competitions.
“When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake,” UEFA said.
The dispute increased tensions between UEFA and FIFA leadership.
Opposition to FIFA’s World Cup changes
Ceferin has also criticised several changes promoted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, including plans to introduce major entertainment elements into football tournaments.
The introduction of a World Cup half-time show was one such disagreement.
The final featured performances from global stars including Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber, with the traditional 15-minute break extended to more than 27 minutes.
UEFA has confirmed that similar half-time entertainment will not be introduced in the Champions League or the European Championship.
Ceferin is also against expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a proposal Infantino suggested could be considered in the future.
UEFA takes different approach on football rules
The disagreements between UEFA and FIFA have also extended to refereeing and disciplinary policies.
After referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States before the tournament, UEFA invited the Somali official to referee the upcoming Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
UEFA has also taken a different approach to VAR decisions and player behaviour rules.
The organisation has instructed referees in its competitions not to follow FIFA’s approach of reviewing possible diving incidents under the new mistaken identity protocol.
The decision follows controversy at the World Cup when Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was sent off during a quarter-final defeat against Argentina.
Ticket prices and fan concerns
Ticket costs have also become a major issue.
UEFA has announced plans to freeze ticket prices for Euro 2028, arguing that supporters should not face the same high costs seen at the World Cup in the United States.
The organisation said it wants to keep major football events accessible for ordinary fans.
While FIFA and UEFA remain partners in global football, the growing disagreements highlight deeper differences over how the sport should be managed and developed.
Ceferin’s absence from the World Cup final represents one of the clearest public signs of tension between Europe’s football leadership and FIFA.
