Gianni Infantino Controversy: 6 Candidates Who Could Replace FIFA President

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting calls to resign following his controversial proposal to sell part of the World Cup to private investors

UEFA has led the charge against Infantino, and with his 2027 re-election no longer guaranteed, the race for his seat may be opening up

Several high-profile football figures have emerged as potential candidates to take over the FIFA presidency

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing the most serious threat to his position since taking over from disgraced predecessor Sepp Blatter.

Why Gianni Infantino is under fire

Infantino has drawn fierce criticism after plans emerged that he intended to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.

The proposal, which would have seen external capital introduced into one of sport's most valuable commercial properties, triggered a backlash led by UEFA, which has taken the front seat in calls for the president to step down.

Even if Infantino survives the immediate pressure, his grip on the role is not assured beyond next year. FIFA members will have the opportunity to back an alternative candidate at the 2027 presidential election, and for the first time in years, a genuine contest appears possible. He ran unopposed in both 2019 and 2023.

Who could replace Gianni Infantino as FIFA President?

1. Victor Montagliani

The CONCACAF president and Canadian football administrator had already been discussed as a future FIFA presidential candidate before the current crisis.

Montagliani's standing in North America and the Caribbean has grown steadily, and his confederation term ends next year. Whether he seeks another regional mandate or aims higher remains an open question.

2. Nasser Al-Khelaifi

The Paris Saint-Germain owner also leads the European Football Clubs association and was a vocal opponent of the proposed European Super League in 2021.

Reports suggest he has little interest in the role, though that position could shift depending on how the crisis evolves.

3. Alexander Ceferin

The UEFA president is widely regarded as the most obvious alternative, but whether he is interested is another thing.

The Slovenian, who has held the role since 2016 and is expected to serve a third term until 2031, has made no secret of his strained relationship with Infantino — he did not attend the 2026 World Cup final.

4. Arsène Wenger

FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development operates largely behind the scenes, but his enormous standing within the game and potential internal support could make him a credible challenger should he choose to act.

5. Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa

The Asian Football Confederation president and FIFA senior vice-president from Bahrain has publicly criticised the World Cup sale proposal and holds considerable influence within FIFA's governing structures. Like Montagliani, he faces a confederation election in 2026 before any potential FIFA campaign.

6. Mattias Grafström

FIFA's Secretary General has also been floated as a possible contender, though his profile remains lower than the others on this list.

European countries to boycott FIFA competitions

We also highlighted facts about UEFA's strong opposition to FIFA's controversial plan to establish a new commercial subsidiary and invite private investment.

As tensions heighten, European nations are weighing a dramatic boycott of the World Cup, prompting questions about the future of football governance and the sport's integrity at a crucial juncture.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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