Secret challenger could threaten Infantino’s FIFA re-election

Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president could be challenged by a candidate whose identity remains secret, with the election scheduled for March 2027. The prospect of a late entry puts pressure on the incumbent, although the potential rival has not been named.

Participants at a FIFA Council meeting said Infantino could ultimately be ousted. That uncertainty contrasts with the support he had previously enjoyed: before the World Cup, around 200 of FIFA’s 211 member associations had backed his re-election unopposed. His position, then regarded as highly secure, appeared weakened after anger over his private investment project.

Since then, potential opponents have stepped back. Infantino, meanwhile, has worked to strengthen his support in Africa and win backing from other national bodies. Several figures who might have been considered challengers have ruled out standing, including Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, and Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation.

Other names have, however, joined the list of candidates: Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Prince Ali bin Hussein, Arsène Wenger and Michele Kang. Luis Figo, the Real Madrid legend, has also been admired by some. He publicly called for Infantino to resign last August, but nothing in the available claims identifies him as the secret candidate.

Those working to build support for the possible challenger have kept quiet about the figure, describing the person as someone who could unite people. “The stakes are extremely high,” one source said when asked about the person’s identity. The name is reportedly being withheld to keep the “FIFA machine” uncertain as next month’s deadline approaches.

The challenge comes amid tensions between Infantino and UEFA. The governing body is seeking access to evidence and documents intended for proceedings against him in Switzerland and is still preparing to take legal action. Infantino, who is seeking a fourth and final term, had previously pledged to reform FIFA after the controversy surrounding Sepp Blatter. He also served on a reform committee that established rules requiring the publication of senior officials’ salaries, bonuses and allowances.