UEFA Sets Criteria for FIFA Presidential Challenger to Oust Gianni Infantino

European football’s governing body UEFA has outlined the profile of the president it wants to replace Gianni Infantino at the helm of FIFA, describing the ideal candidate as “a respected and unifying figure, deeply rooted in football.”

Following a meeting of its 55 member federations in Berlin, UEFA stated that the future leader should represent FIFA globally and provide leadership without exercising management functions. The strategy aims to find an opponent for Infantino ahead of a November 18 deadline.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin confirmed during the meeting that he will not run in the election, and that the candidate may not necessarily be European. Ceferin also used the gathering to announce he will stand for re-election for a fourth and final term next April 22 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Both Ceferin and Infantino were elected in 2016 and are seeking fourth terms. Ceferin has led global efforts to challenge Infantino's executive-style presidency ahead of the FIFA election on March 18 in Rabat, Morocco. UEFA's dissatisfaction grew following Infantino's plans to sell tournament stakes to private investors.

“FIFA also needs new leadership: a respected and unifying figure, deeply rooted in football, with the vision and experience to lead,” UEFA stated. The organization also reiterated its promise that FIFA members should receive a one-off $10m dividend from reserves, which are close to $6bn following the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

UEFA raised concerns about executive interference in FIFA's oversight bodies, citing controversial decisions involving Cristiano Ronaldo, Folarin Balogun, Lionel Mpasi, and Lionel Messi's team Inter Miami. All UEFA members backed the reform list except Azerbaijan, whose vote is pledged to Infantino.

Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino campaigned in Cape Verde, highlighting investments made through the FIFA Forward programme. Elsewhere, former Switzerland and Tottenham defender Ramon Vega announced his intention to challenge Infantino, marking his second presidential bid following a failed attempt in 2019.