Khalifa rules out challenge to Infantino in FIFA presidential election

Nasser Al-Khelaifi has ruled out standing against Gianni Infantino in next March’s FIFA presidential election in Morocco, saying he has no interest in taking up a role within world football’s governing body.

The Paris Saint-Germain president has been linked with a possible challenge to Infantino, who has faced significant criticism and whose support from several countries, particularly in Europe, has reportedly weakened ahead of the election.

Several names have been mentioned as potential candidates to oppose Infantino, including Al-Khelaifi, who is also president of the European Club Association. However, he has now firmly rejected the possibility of entering the race.

Speaking at the European Club Association’s general assembly in Denmark, Al-Khelaifi said: “I have no interest in FIFA, and I do not aspire to be a member of it.”

According to Le Parisien, he added: “I do not think I am the right person for this position. In truth, I do not want to go there.”

Al-Khelaifi said he would rather remain in his current role than seek the presidency of FIFA, stressing that he was satisfied with his work at present.

“I enjoy what I do and I am having a good time,” he said. “We want to continue building positive projects together. FIFA is not for me.”

The election is due to take place in March in Morocco. At present, Infantino remains the only officially declared candidate for the FIFA presidency.