Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Former Tottenham Defender Enters FIFA Presidential Race Against Infantino
Ramon Vega says he wants to become FIFA’s next president.
FIFA is the organization that governs world football.
Vega used to play for Tottenham and Switzerland.
He has tried to become a candidate before, but did not get enough support to join the 2022 ballot.
To run this time, he needs support from at least five national football federations and must pass an eligibility review.
The deadline for candidates to meet the requirements is November 18.
Some football groups have become less supportive of current president Gianni Infantino.
Vega says FIFA needs to rebuild trust and protect football.
Ramon Vega, 55, has announced he intends to challenge incumbent Gianni Infantino for FIFA president.
Vega played for Tottenham from 1997 to 2001 and represented Switzerland at Euro 96.
Vega previously considered a run in 2015 and tried to qualify for the 2022 ballot but lacked sufficient support.
Candidates must gain backing from at least five of FIFA’s 211 member federations, be proposed by one, and pass eligibility checks.
Pressure on Infantino has grown after an abandoned plan for a commercial subsidiary and the Swiss Football Association’s withdrawal of support.
- Who
- Former Tottenham and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has announced he intends to challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
- What
- Vega has declared his intention to run for FIFA president, subject to meeting candidacy requirements.
- When
- The article was published October 8, 2026; candidates have until November 18 to meet the stated criteria.
- Where
- FIFA, world football’s governing body.
- Why
- Vega says he wants to serve football, protect its integrity and restore FIFA’s credibility.
- Candidate
- Ramon Vega, 55
- Incumbent
- Gianni Infantino
- Playing career
- Vega played for Tottenham from 1997 to 2001 and retired in 2004.
- Previous bid
- Vega tried to challenge Infantino in 2022 but did not secure enough support to reach the ballot.
- Federation backing
- A candidate needs support from at least five of FIFA’s 211 member federations and must be proposed by one of them.
- Eligibility
- Candidates must have been involved in football for two of the previous five years and pass an eligibility review.
- Deadline
- November 18 is the deadline for candidates to meet the stated criteria.
- Pressure on Infantino
- The Swiss Football Association withdrew its support, citing concerns about transparency, accountability and institutional responsibility.
