Ramon Vega announces bid to challenge Gianni Infantino for FIFA presidency

Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has announced his candidacy to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, with the election due to take place next March.

The 55-year-old Swiss former international is the first person to publicly declare an intention to stand against Infantino.

In a statement, Vega said: “I stand before the global football family with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. Football is not owned by presidents or continental confederations. Football is bigger than any position, individual or organisation.”

He added: “Football is currently in the emergency room and living on life support. We cannot wait any longer. FIFA needs fundamental reforms.”

Infantino confirmed last month that he intends to seek another term as FIFA president next year, despite mounting pressure for him to leave the organisation.

A FIFA spokesperson told Sky Sports: “In April, Gianni Infantino announced that he would stand for re-election as FIFA president in 2027. Nothing has changed. Infantino will stand for re-election.”

It is the first time FIFA has confirmed that Infantino plans to pursue a fourth term since the crisis that followed the World Cup held this summer.

The announcement comes after more than one football association declared that it had withdrawn its support for Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president for another term.

Vega, who previously played for Tottenham, has now emerged as the first declared challenger to Infantino ahead of next March’s election. His campaign statement focused on the need for major structural changes within FIFA and argued that football should not be controlled by individuals or governing bodies.