Ramon Vega announces plan to challenge Gianni Infantino for Fifa presidency

Ramon Vega says he intends to challenge Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency in next year’s election.

The former Tottenham and Switzerland defender, 55, has called for reform of football’s governing body.

“I am standing because my life has prepared me to serve the game,” Vega said in a statement reported by BBC Sport.

Vega previously sought to stand in 2019 but failed to secure enough support to reach the ballot. His latest announcement does not guarantee he will appear on it in 2027.

Infantino faces scrutiny before election

The election is due in March, with prospective challengers facing a deadline of 18 November to submit their candidacy.

Infantino has indicated he would accept an independent review of Fifa’s governance following opposition to his abandoned plan to sell stakes in its tournaments to private investors.

However, he remains committed to seeking another term, according to reporting on his proposed governance review.

The incumbent also retains support. The Union of Arab Football Associations backed him following a board meeting in Jeddah last week, Reuters reported.

Vega’s announcement gives the election a prospective challenger. The next step is establishing whether he can gather the backing required to turn that intention into a place on the ballot.

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