Who are possible challengers to FIFA President Gianni Infantino?
Infantino was originally expected to easily retain his position at the helm of FIFA in March 2027. However, persistent public calls for a review of his leadership have galvanised potential rivals.
“FIFA is full of sharks, and there’s no question that many of them can smell blood. Infantino’s election in 2027, which seemed like a sure bet only a few days ago, is now an open question,” says sports expert Boykoff.
Challengers for his role must submit their candidacies by Nov. 18, with speculation already surrounding potential bidders. One notable name is Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). He was defeated by Infantino in 2016 during his first term but may return a decade later as a frontrunner. Sheikh Salman has publicly criticized Infantino’s investment proposal, describing it as “totally unacceptable,” indicating a brewing rivalry.
