Archive · 8 Oct 2026
UEFA Seeks Rival to Challenge Infantino for FIFA Presidency
European soccer leaders are discussing whether to find someone to run against FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
They met in Berlin with representatives from UEFA’s 55 member countries.
Many became unhappy with Infantino after a plan for private investment in the World Cup failed soon after it was announced in July.
UEFA is also considering legal steps related to the deal.
Some well-known soccer leaders have been mentioned as possible candidates, but none seemed ready to run.
UEFA and its allies still need to agree on a candidate.
The deadline to enter the race is November 18.
The election is set for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.
Infantino is reported to have about 90 pledged votes, though that estimate came before a rival was identified.
UEFA convened its 55 member federations in Berlin as European leaders discussed challenging Gianni Infantino.
The effort followed opposition to Infantino’s World Cup private investment plan, which failed within days of its July announcement.
UEFA is considering a criminal complaint in Switzerland over possible financial mismanagement and has sought U.S. court approval to gather evidence.
Potential challengers mentioned include Aleksander Ceferin, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and Victor Montagliani, but none appeared set to run.
A candidate must enter by November 18; the FIFA election is scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco.
- Who
- UEFA’s 55 member federations and European soccer leaders are discussing a challenge to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
- What
- They are seeking a candidate and strategy to oppose Infantino in the FIFA presidential election.
- When
- The UEFA summit was scheduled for Thursday; the candidate deadline is November 18 and the election is March 18.
- Where
- The summit is in Berlin; the election is in Rabat, Morocco.
- Why
- European leaders cite mistrust of Infantino’s presidency and opposition to his failed World Cup private investment plan.
- UEFA membership
- 55 national federations
- FIFA membership
- 211 federations eligible to vote
- Reported Infantino support
- About 90 pledged votes, according to Associated Press research cited in the article
- Candidate deadline
- November 18
- Election date
- March 18
- Election location
- Rabat, Morocco
- Legal steps under consideration
- UEFA is preparing a possible criminal complaint in Switzerland and has asked U.S. courts to authorize evidence discovery.