FIFA presidency: Vega plans Infantino challenge

Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega says he intends to run against incumbent Gianni Infantino in next year's FIFA presidential election.

Vega, 55, is a former Switzerland centre-back who has worked in finance since retiring in 2004. He previously considered running after Sepp Blatter resigned in 2015 and tried to challenge Infantino in 2022, but did not get enough support to reach the ballot.

Vega told AFP that FIFA member associations were “much more open to change” than when he previously sought to stand. In an 11-page dossier announcing his candidacy, he said he wanted to protect football's integrity, people and future.

His path to the ballot remains uncertain. A candidate must gain backing from at least five of FIFA's 211 member federations, be proposed by one of them, meet rules on recent involvement in football and pass an eligibility review. Potential candidates have until November 18 to meet the criteria.

Infantino has faced pressure after an aborted plan to create a commercial subsidiary to run FIFA's biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. Last week, the Swiss Football Association withdrew its support for him, citing concerns over transparency, accountability and institutional responsibility.