Growing opposition to FIFA President Gianni Infantino has fuelled speculation over who could replace him when the world football governing body elects its next president in 2027.
Infantino is facing a difficult re-election campaign after the football federations of Serbia, Sweden and Wales withdrew their support following the collapse of his proposal to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors.
The presidential election, which will determine FIFA’s leadership for the 2027–2031 term, is scheduled to take place in Morocco on March 18.
Here are five leading figures being tipped as potential challengers:
Victor Montagliani (CONCACAF President)
The Canadian businessman and CONCACAF president is reportedly considering entering the race. Although CONCACAF rejected Infantino’s private equity proposal, the confederation did not join UEFA’s boycott campaign.
Aleksander Ceferin (UEFA President)
The UEFA chief has become one of Infantino’s strongest critics after several disputes between Europe’s governing body and FIFA. Ceferin also boycotted the World Cup final, highlighting tensions between the two organisations.
Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (AFC President)
The Bahraini football official and FIFA Council senior vice president has opposed expanding the World Cup to 64 teams. The AFC also criticised FIFA’s decision-making process after rejecting Infantino’s investment proposal.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi (Paris Saint-Germain President)
The Qatari sports executive is reportedly gaining support among European football officials as a possible challenger for FIFA’s top job.
Lise Klaveness (Norwegian Football Federation President)
Klaveness has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of Infantino’s leadership. She strongly opposed the World Cup investment proposal and has previously questioned FIFA’s governance, including its handling of disciplinary decisions involving the United States national team.
