Ramon Vega has announced his intention to stand for the FIFA presidency against incumbent Gianni Infantino, but the former Tottenham defender must still meet several eligibility requirements before becoming an official candidate.
The 55-year-old Swiss said his objective was “simple” – to “serve football and everyone who contributes to the making of this sport”.
In a statement published by French network RMC, Vega said his proposed programme would aim to “reunite the global football family, implement real and sustainable reform, modernise FIFA to meet the needs of the 21st century, restore stability and credibility, and rebuild the trust that football urgently needs”.
His announcement comes amid criticism of Infantino since last summer, when FIFA proposed creating a commercial company that would be opened to private-sector investors. The plan was later withdrawn.
Vega has previously expressed a desire to become FIFA president, with his most recent attempt coming in 2022. He was unable to complete the candidacy process, which includes securing the backing of at least five of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
“The situation has changed a great deal since then,” Vega told Agence France-Presse (AFP), saying national associations were now “more open to change” than during his previous attempts.
Vega faces deadline to complete requirements
Vega played for several clubs during his career before ending his professional playing days with Crystal during the 2002-03 season.
The former Switzerland international has maintained a prominent presence on social media in recent weeks, although he has not yet published a detailed election programme.
To be formally accepted as a FIFA presidential candidate, Vega must have held an active role in football for at least two years during the past five years. He must also obtain support from a minimum of five national associations from different parts of the world and pass FIFA’s integrity checks.
Those conditions must be fulfilled before the deadline for submitting applications on 18 November.
Vega has not said whether he currently meets every requirement. If he does, he would become the first candidate to officially declare a challenge to Infantino in the next election.
Infantino seeking another term
Infantino, 56, has been FIFA president since 2016. The election is scheduled to take place at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March 2027.
He has faced criticism over the proposed commercial company, with opposition emerging from several major confederations, including UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Despite that resistance, no single candidate representing those confederations has yet been announced to contest the election against Infantino.
The deadline for presidential nominations remains 18 November, with the result due to be decided at the FIFA Congress in March 2027.
