Al-Khelaifi shuts down FIFA presidency talk as UEFA power struggle with Infantino intensifies

Nasser Al-Khelaifi has privately ruled out any interest in standing for the FIFA presidency, dealing a setback to UEFA figures exploring a challenge to Gianni Infantino ahead of the 2027 election.

The Paris Saint-Germain chairman and president of the European Club Association (ECA) has been discussed within UEFA circles as a potential rival to the Swiss official, according to French outlet RMC, amid mounting European unease over Infantino’s latest commercial plans.

Infantino is pushing a project to create a FIFA-owned commercial company that would control the organisation of the World Cup, with a portion of the company’s shares to be sold to external investors. The proposal has sharpened tensions between UEFA and FIFA and prompted some European powerbrokers to search for a heavyweight candidate capable of contesting the presidency when Infantino’s current term expires in March 2027.

RMC reports that several UEFA officials believe Al-Khelaifi’s profile, influence and network would make him a strong contender. However, a figure close to the Qatari executive has made clear he is not interested in entering the race.

“ناصر لا يملك اطلاقا اي طموح او نية او اهتمام بهذا المنصب في فيفا، وسيواصل دعم جميع موسسات كرة القدم العالمية والاوروبية بشكل هادي,” the source said, stressing that Al-Khelaifi has no appetite for the role and intends instead to continue working behind the scenes with existing football institutions.

The same associate had previously dismissed speculation over a possible candidacy as mere “ضجيج اعلامي”, insisting that the PSG president is not considering a run for the top job in world football.

UEFA interest in Al-Khelaifi

Despite his rejection of the idea, Al-Khelaifi is viewed by some within the European game as one of the few figures with the stature to confront an incumbent FIFA president.

He leads Paris Saint-Germain, described in the report as Champions League winners in each of the last two seasons, and heads the European Club Association, which has openly opposed FIFA’s project to sell stakes in the proposed new commercial vehicle and World Cup rights to investors.

The ECA’s stance has underlined a broader European resistance to what is seen as a centralisation of power and commercial control in Zurich. In that context, Al-Khelaifi’s dual role – at the helm of a major club and the organisation representing leading European sides – has raised his profile in the debate over FIFA’s future direction.

The 50-year-old also benefits, in the eyes of some UEFA officials, from an extensive network in Asia, underpinned by Qatar’s influence in global football, and long-standing experience in sports media as chairman of beIN Media Group. Those elements are seen by his admirers in Europe as forming a compelling platform from which to challenge Infantino, should he ever choose to run.

Infantino remains strong favourite

For now, Infantino remains firmly positioned as the frontrunner to secure another term when FIFA’s 211 member associations vote in March 2027.

During what will amount to around a decade in charge by the time of the election, the Swiss lawyer has overseen a sharp increase in FIFA revenues. That growth has allowed the governing body to raise the sums distributed to national associations, securing him broad backing across many parts of the world.

Infantino has already received explicit support from several African and Asian federations, as well as from associations in South America, as part of the early manoeuvring ahead of the next presidential contest.

In some quarters in Europe, his commercial strategy and political style have provoked strong criticism. The original article refers to English calls to boycott the World Cup and resist Infantino’s plans, under the slogan: “تفوح منه رايحة الفساد”.. دعوات انجليزية لمقاطعة المونديال ومواجهة خطة انفانتينو.

Difficult path for any Al-Khelaifi bid

Even if Al-Khelaifi were to reverse his stance and agree to stand, his path to the presidency would be far from straightforward.

He could expect to command significant support among UEFA’s 55 member associations, according to the report, but would still have to convince a large number of the 211 federations worldwide to dislodge an incumbent who has spent years cultivating alliances across continents.

A contested election involving the high-profile PSG chairman could also trigger a prolonged and combative campaign. Such a battle, sources suggest, might reopen a series of contentious issues relating to the backgrounds and records of the candidates, adding further turbulence to an already strained relationship between FIFA and parts of European football.

Against that backdrop, Al-Khelaifi’s insistence that he has no “طموح او نية او اهتمام” in pursuing the FIFA presidency is being interpreted within UEFA as a significant development – limiting the options for those seeking a credible challenger to Infantino, and underlining the current president’s strong grip on power ahead of 2027.