UEFA's federations are urging the organization to field a candidate to challenge Gianni Infantino in the next FIFA presidential election, potentially ending his leadership. Infantino confirmed he is seeking a third term at April's FIFA Congress and hoped for an unopposed re-election, but growing support for alternative candidates within UEFA threatens that, according to talkSPORT.
Infantino's Controversial Tenure
The FIFA boss has faced criticism over the current World Cup, having overseen an expansion to 48 teams and proposed a 64-team format for the 2030 edition. He also revamped the Club World Cup into a larger-scale event seen as a rival to the Champions League. Additionally, Infantino drew backlash after FIFA controversially postponed Folarin Balogun's red card following contact from US President Donald Trump.
UEFA accused FIFA of crossing “a red line” by making an “incomprehensible and unjustifiable” decision to rescind the one-match ban, claiming it undermined “the integrity of the game and the credibility of the competition.”
Potential Candidates
UEFA President Alexander Ceferin is considered the most qualified candidate, but he is likely to continue in his current role next spring and has no intention of challenging Infantino despite clashing on multiple issues. Several UEFA federations, including Belgium and Poland, support PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, but he reportedly has no ambition to run.
Senior officials from Bosnia, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and Spain have discussed backing Legia owner Dariusz Mioduski, with support potentially growing. Outside UEFA, Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe, who has expressed intent to become FIFA president, are also possible successors.
