Vega demands FIFA presidency, while AFC chief Reformton raises the reform tone

While former Swiss international Ramon Vega announces his candidacy for the FIFA presidency, AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa stresses that the intended reform process does not entail a fundamental redesign of FIFA governance. The two statements contrast with the upcoming preparations for the March 2027 election, where the support of the 211 member associations will be decisive.

Vega Presents Candidacy

The 55‑year‑old Ramon Vega, formerly a defender at Tottenham Hotspur and most recently a financial adviser, wants to challenge Gianni Infantino. In an eleven‑page dossier he explained that his life had prepared him to serve football. He sees it as his duty to protect the integrity and future of the sport. His goal is to make FIFA more transparent and closer to the people.

Vega had already considered a candidacy in 2015 after Sepp Blatter’s resignation and tried again in 2019 to unseat the incumbent, but at that time he lacked the necessary support. For the upcoming election he must secure the backing of at least five of the 211 associations. The application deadline ends on 15 November. The candidacy also requires a strong network within the continental associations.

According to an AFP release, the situation has changed dramatically since his last candidacy, and the member associations are much more open to change. “The situation has changed dramatically since then,” Vega said. “This is the first time I feel so much support.” He emphasized that football is currently in intensive care and can no longer be kept artificially alive.

Ramon Vega challenges Infantino – Swiss former pro wants FIFA presidency

AFC President Calls for Moderate Reforms

AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa wrote in a letter that the reform process does not aim at a fundamental redesign of FIFA governance. Instead, it should be examined whether existing structures can be strengthened, and he proposed the creation of an internal working group. The letter was addressed to Gianni Infantino and the other confederation heads. Al Khalifa also stressed that cooperation with Infantino is essential for the stability of the world governing body.

However, 22 Arab associations, including twelve from Asia, have recently declared their support for Infantino. The three opposition confederations – UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF – do not seem to be able to rally all members behind a challenger for the March 2027 election in Rabat. Latvia was the most recent European association to publicly back Infantino. Criticism of Infantino’s leadership style, especially after the failed attempt to market the World Cup rights externally, has further heated the debate.

Election 2027 in Focus

The 56‑year‑old Gianni Infantino, FIFA President since 2016, is aiming for a fourth term at the next FIFA Congress in March 2027 in Rabat. The UEFA leadership as well as the presidents and secretaries‑general of the 55 UEFA member associations are planning a meeting in Berlin to discuss the next steps in the power struggle. Kevin Quigley of Shutterstock provided the material that accompanies the coverage. The planned working group is to develop concrete proposals by the next Congress.

Ramon Vega challenges Infantino and seeks to reform FIFA

Vega’s ambitious push therefore sits in the tension between a desire for deep reforms and a growing resistance to fundamental changes, as Al Khalifa emphasizes. How the support of the associations evolves up to the election will show whether football truly experiences a new direction. Both sides are watching the developments closely, as the outcome will shape the future of international football.