UEFA explores female challenge to Gianni Infantino in FIFA presidency race

A potential challenge to Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president is being explored within European football, with UEFA considering whether a female candidate could unite the opposition ahead of next March’s election in Rabat, Morocco.

According to French website Foot Mercato, citing French newspaper L’Equipe, UEFA has been searching for a figure with sufficient experience and authority to mount a credible campaign against the current FIFA president.

Michelle Kang, owner of Olympique Lyonnais and one of the most prominent figures in women’s football, was approached about standing in the election. However, she turned down the opportunity.

The name of Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation, was also discussed. Klaveness has been contacted by people involved in the search but is not currently considering entering the contest.

The Norwegian Football Federation intensified its criticism of Infantino in August, calling for his resignation. It later submitted a petition to FIFA’s internal bodies concerning a number of contentious issues.

Despite those efforts, Infantino’s opponents have yet to identify a candidate with the profile and experience needed to attract broad support and seriously challenge the incumbent.

UEFA is therefore continuing its search for someone capable of offering a genuine alternative to lead world football.