Who Could Replace Gianni Infantino? Top FIFA 2027 Presidential Candidates

Growing uncertainty surrounding Gianni Infantino's future as FIFA president has shifted attention toward who could lead world football after the 2027 FIFA Presidential Election.

The Swiss administrator is facing increasing political pressure following the collapse of FIFA's controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which sought private investment into the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup. The failed initiative has triggered criticism from football confederations, national associations and senior football executives, leading several federations to withdraw their backing for Infantino's expected re-election campaign.

With FIFA set to elect its next president during the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027, several prominent football figures have emerged as potential candidates.

Victor Montagliani (CONCACAF President)

Canadian football executive Victor Montagliani is among the leading names linked with a possible FIFA presidential campaign.

As president of CONCACAF, Montagliani oversees football across North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Reports suggest he is considering challenging Infantino after the confederation rejected FIFA's private investment proposal.

Although CONCACAF criticised the project, it stopped short of supporting UEFA's tougher stance, instead advocating governance reforms within FIFA.

His extensive administrative experience and leadership during the successful 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across Canada, the United States and Mexico strengthen his credentials.

Why he could be a strong candidate

• President of CONCACAF since 2016
• FIFA Council member
• Experienced football administrator
• Strong relationships across North American football

Aleksander Čeferin (UEFA President)

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has become one of Infantino's strongest critics following the investment controversy.

The Slovenian football administrator reportedly boycotted the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a series of disagreements with FIFA leadership.

Under Čeferin, UEFA has consistently defended the interests of European football and has publicly challenged FIFA on issues ranging from calendar expansion to governance reforms.

His leadership experience at UEFA makes him one of the most influential figures in world football.

Strengths

• President of UEFA since 2016
• Strong backing from European football
• Extensive experience in football governance
• Proven leadership on major international football issues

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (AFC President)

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), remains another experienced contender.

The Bahraini royal is already a senior FIFA vice-president and has previously contested FIFA presidential elections.

He has openly opposed several of FIFA's recent expansion proposals, including increasing the World Cup to 64 teams, while the AFC also criticised FIFA's consultation process surrounding the failed investment proposal.

His long-standing influence within Asian football makes him a serious candidate should he decide to enter the race.

Key credentials

• AFC President
• Senior FIFA Vice-President
• Former FIFA presidential candidate
• Strong influence across Asian football

Nasser Al-Khelaifi (Paris Saint-Germain President)

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has also been mentioned as a possible challenger.

The Qatari sports executive is one of the most influential figures in modern football through his leadership at PSG and wider involvement in European football governance.

Reports suggest some European football officials view him as a candidate capable of reshaping FIFA's leadership.

While he has not publicly declared any intention to run, his commercial expertise and global football influence continue to fuel speculation.

Why he is being discussed

• President of Paris Saint-Germain
• Significant experience in football business and administration
• Strong international profile
• Influential voice within European football

Lise Klaveness (Norwegian Football Federation President)

Lise Klaveness has emerged as one of football's most respected governance advocates.

The Norwegian Football Federation president became one of the most outspoken opponents of FIFA's private investment proposal and has consistently pushed for greater transparency and accountability within world football.

A former international player turned football executive, Klaveness has earned widespread respect for challenging FIFA on governance, ethics and human rights issues.

If she enters the race, she would become one of the strongest female candidates in FIFA presidential history.

What she brings

• President of the Norwegian Football Federation
• Strong governance and ethics advocate
• Former professional footballer
• Respected international football administrator

When Will the FIFA Presidential Election Take Place?

The next FIFA Presidential Election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, during the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.

Candidates must formally submit their nominations before the November 2026 deadline. While Gianni Infantino has indicated his intention to seek another term, recent developments have increased speculation that he could face the most competitive election since taking office in 2016.

As football's governing body attempts to restore confidence following recent controversies, the outcome of the 2027 election could shape the future direction of the global game for years to come.

SportsLigue