Who is the potential replacement for Gianni Infantino as FIFA President?
August 4, 2026 ·
Pressure is mounting on Gianni Infantino as FIFA President, with several potential successors named, including Victor Montagliani, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, and Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Who is the potential replacement for Gianni Infantino as FIFA President?
According to Bbc.
Background
Victor Montagliani, as President of Concacaf, has a strong background in international football management and is known for his promised governance reforms. Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, President of AFC, also has a strong track record in leading Asian confederations and contributing to the development of football in the region. Both could be attractive alternatives for FIFA in facing current leadership challenges.
Why this is important
Gianni Infantino's situation as FIFA President is increasingly precarious, especially after his controversial plan to sell some of FIFA's rights to private investors was cancelled. With support from several national associations fading away, the future of his leadership became uncertain. The re-election scheduled for March will be a crucial moment for determining FIFA's future direction, especially in the context of the growth and reforms needed within this international organization.
Main Points
- Who is the potential replacement for Gianni Infantino as FIFA President?
- Pressure is mounting on Gianni Infantino as FIFA President, with several potential successors named, including Victor Montagliani, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
- Fifa president next candidates: Who might replace Gianni Infantino in world football's top job?.
Gianni Infantino, the current FIFA President, is in an increasingly pressured position. Having dropped a controversial plan to sell some of FIFA's rights to private investors, Infantino now faces a major challenge ahead of his re-election scheduled for March. To win the election, he needed the support of 106 FIFA members totaling 211. However, several national associations, including those from England and Wales, began to withdraw support for him. It is possible that the FIFA Council may call an emergency meeting to force Infantino to step down from his post.
If this is the beginning of the end of his tenure, who might take over? One name that emerged was Victor Montagliani, President of Concacaf which governs football in North, Central America and the Caribbean. Montagliani, who was elected in 2016 on a promise of governance reform, has extensive experience in organizing the 2026 World Cup, which will be the first to be hosted by three countries. With the ability to speak French, Italian, Spanish and English, Montagliani is known as a strong political figure in the world of football.
Furthermore, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, President of the AFC, has been in office since 2013 and was recently re-elected unopposed for a fourth term until 2027. Under his leadership, the Asian confederation has experienced significant growth, including the launch of the Women's Champions League in 2024-2025. Sheikh Salman has been one of the voices critical of Infantino's running of FIFA, and many members of the Asian confederation are aware of the impact of Infantino's plans.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain, is also a name to be taken into account. He took over as chairman of the European Club Association after the failure of the European Super League. Under his leadership, the association has grown to more than 800 members. Although he is considered a serious contender for the position of FIFA President, sources close to Al-Khelaifi say that he does not actually want the post.
Mattias Grafstrom, who was appointed FIFA Secretary General in May 2024, also received attention. As Infantino's former chief of staff, his presence within FIFA could be seen as being too close to Infantino, and there were views that the next FIFA president would need to come from outside Europe.
The election for FIFA's next president will take place at the organization's 77th Congress which will be held in Morocco next March. Candidates have until November 18 to register their names.
What happened next
If Infantino is forced to step down, names such as Victor Montagliani and Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa will be strong candidates to replace him. Montagliani, with experience in organizing the 2026 World Cup, and Sheikh Salman, who has led the AFC successfully, can bring about the necessary changes at FIFA. An emergency meeting of the FIFA Council may be held to discuss next steps, which could have a major impact on FIFA's future leadership structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Gianni Infantino?
Gianni Infantino, the current FIFA president, is facing pressure after abandoning plans to sell some FIFA rights to private investors and losing the support of several national associations.
Who confirmed the challenge for Infantino?
Several national associations, including those from England and Wales, are starting to withdraw support for Gianni Infantino.
Why is Infantino's re-election important now?
Infantino's re-election is scheduled for March, and he needs the support of FIFA's 106 members to win.
What changes might occur if Infantino steps down?
If Infantino steps down, Victor Montagliani and Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa are two potential candidates who might take over.
Who are the potential replacements mentioned in the article?
The replacement candidates mentioned are Victor Montagliani, President of Concacaf, and Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, President of AFC.