Ramon Vega challenges Infantino – Reform promises in power struggle

The 55‑year‑old Swiss Ramon Vega is publicly challenging the long‑standing FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and promises fundamental reforms, while Infantino, despite growing criticism, is seeking a fourth term. The announcement was made on 08.10.2026 and marks a second time that Vega is putting himself forward as a potential candidate.

Vega, a former international player, amassed 387 appearances in his career, scored 36 goals and provided three assists as a centre‑back. His experience in international football is intended to give him credibility in the upcoming power struggle.

Already in 2019 he considered a candidacy for Infantino’s re‑election, but failed due to a lack of supporting letters from at least five FIFA member associations and the proof of activity in at least two of the last five years. He must now meet these requirements in order to be able to run officially.

Political Front in Europe

Next Thursday the presidents and secretaries‑general of the 55 UEFA member associations will meet in Berlin to discuss the front against Infantino. The German Football Association has taken a clear stance against the FIFA chief, and numerous European associations have withdrawn their support.

Infantino, in office since 2016, came under massive pressure after a failed attempt to market the World Cup rights externally. His leadership style is sharply criticised, but he recently offered talks on possible reforms to calm the growing opposition.

Vega challenges Infantino for FIFA presidency in 2025

Election, Candidates and Asian Resistance

The next FIFA Congress in March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco, will decide the election; Infantino is seeking a fourth term there. Until 18 November the opposition, which includes numerous associations from North and Central America as well as parts of Asia, has time to name a single counter‑candidate.

Potential opponents mentioned are the Canadian Victor Montagliani, president of CONCACAF, as well as Aleksander Ceferin and Nasser Al‑Khelaïfi, who have publicly dismissed any candidacy. In Asia the former front appears to be crumbling, as 22 Arab associations, including twelve from Asia, have declared their support for Infantino.

A letter from FIFA vice‑president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al‑Khalifa to Infantino proposes an internal working group to strengthen the existing governance structures without fundamentally changing the system. The letter was first reported by The Athletic.

Ramon Vega challenges Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency

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