Ramon Vega of Cagliari challenges Infantino for the FIFA presidency

ROME, 07 OCT – Cagliari's Ramon Vega, 55, former defender of Cagliari and Tottenham, has announced his candidacy for the FIFA presidency elections scheduled for next year, on the global stage. With this move he challenges the current president Gianni Infantino for the first time.

A path off the pitch

Former Swiss international, Vega retired from playing football in 2004 and has since worked in the financial sector. In his candidacy statement he said: “I am running to bring together the global football family, implement genuine and lasting reforms, modernise FIFA for the 21st century, restore stability and credibility, and rebuild the trust that our sport urgently needs.”

His first attempt dates back to 2015, immediately after the suspension of former president Sepp Blatter. Four years later he again announced his intention to challenge Infantino, but he failed to secure the support of five member federations out of a total of 211, a prerequisite for entering the list of candidates.

He said: “I am running because my life has prepared me to serve this sport. Football is the people’s sport and belongs to everyone: players, coaches, referees, fans, clubs, leagues, associations and communities.” He believes that the current governance does not reflect these values.

The current leadership, according to Vega, has demoralised the football world: “Weak governance has compromised FIFA’s credibility and eroded trust in the global football family.” “We must prevent this conflict from deteriorating and not allow power struggles among the top echelons to harm those who matter most.”

Vega’s candidacy represents an attempt to renew football governance, with the aim of restoring trust and stability in an organisation often criticised for scandals and controversial decisions. If elected, Vega promises to launch a transparent reform process and involve the federations in defining the rules.