Who is Infantino’s successor? Six names in discussion for the FIFA presidency
The leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces unprecedented scrutiny as prominent regional football authorities voice a loss of confidence in his administration. Friction intensified after plans to establish a separate commercial entity for the World Cup and other tournaments—funded by private investment—were ultimately abandoned following fierce pushback. Discontent has since spread beyond European borders, with segments of football administration in Asia and North America publicly questioning the trajectory of global football governance.
With the upcoming 2027 FIFA presidential election approaching, European media outlets have begun mapping out potential candidates who could succeed Infantino should he fail to secure another term. Among the prominent figures currently being discussed in football circles, six key administrators stand out.
Victor Montagliani
Serving as the president of CONCACAF since 2016 and holding a vice-presidency at FIFA, the Canadian football administrator is frequently cited as a leading contender. His instrumental role in steering Canada’s joint hosting bid for the 2026 World Cup elevated his global standing. According to reports by TalkSPORT, consolidating the combined voting blocs of CONCACAF and UEFA alongside a modest number of additional votes could position him strongly for the presidency, though he has not yet announced a formal challenge.
Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa
The president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and a senior vice-president at FIFA represents another major figure in the conversation. The Bahraini royal previously contested the presidential election against Infantino in 2016. In recent times, he has emerged as a vocal critic of controversial centralized commercial initiatives spearheaded by the current leadership.
Aleksander Čeferin
As the president of UEFA, the Slovenian lawyer commands the backing of fifty-five European member associations and stands out as one of Infantino’s most formidable critics. His public frustration previously led him to bypass high-profile FIFA fixtures. Rather than declaring an immediate personal candidacy, his current focus remains centered on consolidating European opposition and uniting member associations against disputed administrative reforms.
Mattias Grafström
The current FIFA Secretary-General has entered the discourse as an administrative alternative. Having assumed the role in 2023 following stints with the Swedish Football Association and the AFC, the Swedish sports executive has successfully distanced himself from the commercial controversies surrounding the president’s past proposals, leading some factions to view him as a viable transitional figure.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi
The Paris Saint-Germain president, alongside his roles as chairman of beIN Media Group and the European Club Association (ECA), has occasionally been linked to future presidential speculation. However, sources close to him, as reported by TalkSPORT, indicate he currently holds no immediate ambition to contest the top post, preferring to concentrate on his existing high-profile institutional responsibilities within European club football and broadcasting.
Patrice Motsepe
The South African billionaire businessman and president of CAF exercises substantial influence within international football administration. While he remains a key regional leader, his historically close alignment with Infantino suggests that a primary candidacy is unlikely should the incumbent decide to run for re-election.
