FIFA Crisis: Names Mentioned to Replace President Infantino

The decision by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to withdraw the proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and the plan to sell commercial stakes of the FIFA World Cup and other tournaments to private investors has somewhat eased controversies within the international football community. However, these developments have not closed the debates surrounding the role of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as many member associations continue to express concerns about the governance direction of the organization.

In recent days, the FFE plan has faced opposition from several regional federations. Additionally, the departure of senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro from FIFA, along with allegations made by FIFA CEO Kevin Lamour against Infantino, has further increased pressure on FIFA's leadership.

On August 1, the European Football Association (UEFA) declared that it no longer trusts Infantino. With the FIFA presidential election expected to take place next March and the deadline for submitting candidacies set for November 18, international media have begun to mention several figures who could enter the race if a challenger emerges to compete with Infantino, who has held the FIFA presidency since 2016 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2023.

According to Al Jazeera Sport, several football leaders are being mentioned as potential candidates.

PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) President Nasser Al-Khelaifi is one of the names most frequently mentioned by international media.

The 52-year-old Qatari businessman was a professional tennis player before transitioning to sports management. He has served as PSG President since 2011, while also holding the positions of Chairman of the beIN Media Group and President of the European Club Association (ECA).

Additionally, he is a member of the UEFA Executive Committee and the FIFA Council.

During his tenure, PSG won the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 2025 and successfully defended the title the following year.

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani

Victor Montagliani is also considered a notable figure if the election sees additional candidates.

As FIFA Vice President and President of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) since 2016, he has been involved in the preparation process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Previously, he served as President of the Canadian Soccer Association and was one of the key drivers behind Canada's participation in the joint bid to host the World Cup with the U.S. and Mexico.

At a recent meeting, 41 CONCACAF member associations opposed the FIFA FFE plan, but did not join the call to boycott FIFA activities as UEFA did.

According to international media, Montagliani is one of the figures mentioned should a challenger emerge to Infantino in the election.

AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa is also among the leaders who publicly opposed the FFE plan.

In a letter to the 47 AFC member associations, he stated that the proposal was "completely unacceptable."

Subsequently, the AFC issued a statement indicating that the confederation "stands with" UEFA and CONCACAF on this matter, but did not announce plans to boycott FIFA events.

Sheikh Salman was previously a rival to Gianni Infantino in the 2016 FIFA presidential election.

The 60-year-old Bahraini royal family member has served as AFC President since 2013, following years of leading the Bahrain Football Association.

According to observers, the deadline for candidate submissions in November could open an opportunity for him to reconsider entering the election.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin

In his role as UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin is regarded as one of the most influential figures in global football governance.

UEFA has been the strongest opponent of the FFE plan. At a recent meeting, 55 UEFA member associations unanimously approved a decision to boycott activities related to this plan.

In a statement following the meeting, UEFA affirmed that the World Cup should not be transferred to private investors and argued that FIFA's proposal should be rejected.

On August 1, UEFA further declared that it no longer trusts FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"This is a victory for the entire football community. However, this is not the end. The proposal has been rejected, but the task of restoring trust in FIFA has only just begun," UEFA stated in a press release.

Throughout the controversy, Ceferin has not made personal statements, but UEFA's position is seen as clearly reflecting the organization's stance.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe

Another figure mentioned by the media is the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe.

The 64-year-old South African businessman has served as CAF President since 2021.

During his leadership of CAF, he has driven numerous changes for African football, including adjusting the cycle of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from every two years to every four years after the 2028 tournament.

However, AFCON 2025 also witnessed a controversial incident when the Senegal team left the pitch to protest the referee's decision to award a penalty to Morocco in the final. After a 14-minute delay, the match resumed, the penalty was not converted, and Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.

Following this, CAF decided to award the championship to Morocco after reviewing the incident, while the Senegalese Football Federation took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). To date, the case remains unresolved.