FIFA Presidency: Infantino holds an advantageous position, while UEFA continues to search for its candidate and focuses on fairness.

Published on: 07/10/2026 - 17:40

4 min Reading time

Five months ahead of the FIFA electoral congress scheduled for March 2027, UEFA and its president Aleksander Čeferin are struggling to identify a candidate to rival Gianni Infantino, who, despite being weakened, currently appears well-positioned to retain his position at the helm of the global body.

The crisis triggered just after the World Cup by Infantino, with his failed proposal to create a commercial company open to private investors, named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), convinced UEFA that the moment was finally right to end the reign of the Italo-Swiss leader that began in 2016.

However, finding the right personality to embody and unite a growing opposition to overthrow someone whom Čeferin referred to as the "emperor" during the European Club Association (ECA) General Assembly on September 29 remains a challenge.

Despite behind-the-scenes negotiations and the united front displayed by the European (UEFA), North American (CONCACAF), and Asian (AFC) confederations, these efforts have yet to yield results. Time is running out, as the deadline for submitting candidacies is set for November 18.

Selecting an Ally

This candidate cannot be a European: they would face concerns from the rest of the world about FIFA being dominated by the influential and wealthy UEFA, which would diminish their chances of being elected. It is in this context that the Slovenian's decision not to challenge Infantino himself should be interpreted, even as he is encouraged by his allies to run for re-election next year at the head of the European body.

"A European would have no chance," confirmed a source close to global bodies to AFP.

Thus, there has been consideration of selecting a close ally of Čeferin, Canadian Victor Montagliani, president of CONCACAF, which encompasses 35 federations from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. He is seen as someone with significant ambitions for the post-Infantino era, but more likely starting in 2031.

"He is our ideal candidate. He checks all the boxes. He is not European, and he can appeal to a lot of people. He has done a lot for the development of women's football, in particular," a source close to UEFA told AFP several weeks ago.

However, the Montagliani option seems to have lost momentum. The Canadian has yet to commit, as the CONCACAF electoral congress looms in 2027, during which he could seek a new term. It is likely challenging to lead two fronts simultaneously.

Another figure capable of challenging Infantino, Paris SG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, has also withdrawn from the race, stating during the ECA General Assembly that he has "no interest in FIFA". It was also difficult for him to oppose the Qatari federation, which has already pledged its support to Infantino.

The possibility of backing the candidacy of Bahraini Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who was overwhelmingly defeated by Infantino in 2016, also does not seem viable. "He has already been beaten in 2016; he has no chance," assessed this source close to UEFA.

In summary, there are no candidates on the horizon, while the FIFA leader travels the globe to gather support.