Ramon Vega challenges Infantino – Swiss former pro wants FIFA presidency

In the Berlin conference centre, the presidents and secretaries‑general of the 55 UEFA member associations will gather on Thursday, while the 55‑year‑old Swiss former international player Ramon Vega has already publicly announced that he intends to challenge Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election. Vega, formerly a defender at Tottenham and Celtic, is using the current discontent in Europe to present his candidacy.

Vega Presents Candidacy

Vega, 55 years old, announced his intention via the Swiss media service Klein Report and promised “fundamental reforms” for world football. In his campaign statement he emphasized: “My purpose is clear: to serve football and the people who breathe life into the sport.” He is the first to have made his candidacy publicly official.

The former international player had already considered a candidacy in 2019, but failed to obtain the required support of at least five FIFA member associations and to demonstrate activity in football in at least two of the last five years. He must now meet these criteria to be admitted as an opposition candidate.

FIFA Election and Headwinds

Gianni Infantino, 56, has led the world governing body since 2016 and is seeking a fourth term at the FIFA Congress in March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco. After a failed attempt to sell the World Cup rights to external investors, he came under massive pressure in the summer, and his leadership style is being criticised internationally.

Ramon Vega challenges Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency

The UEFA leadership as well as numerous European associations, including the German Football Association, have withdrawn their confidence in Infantino. Infantino responded by offering, for the first time, talks on possible reforms.

The opposition has until 18 November to name an official opposition candidate. In addition to Vega, the Canadian CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, as well as, so far only speculative, Aleksander Ceferin and Nasser al‑Khelaifi are mentioned – the latter, however, have publicly dismissed any ambition.

Vega challenges Infantino for FIFA presidency in 2025

Vega, son of Spanish parents and born in Switzerland, celebrated the English Cup with Tottenham in 1999 and the triple with Celtic in 2000‑01. His manifesto promises to modernise FIFA, restore stability and credibility, and urgently renew confidence in the sport.