The political landscape of world football is shifting. Gianni Infantino's tenure as FIFA president, once seen as unshakeable, now faces its most serious challenge yet. A controversial proposal to bring private equity into the World Cup has sparked widespread opposition from member associations, governance watchdogs, and even some of the sport's most influential figures. The backlash has been so intense that several continental power brokers are quietly preparing for a post-Infantino era.
Infantino's plan, which would essentially sell off parts of the tournament's commercial rights to private investors, has been criticized as a short-term cash grab that prioritizes profit over the integrity of the game. UEFA has even threatened a World Cup boycott over the proposal, a move that underscores how deep the rift has become. For many in Latin America, where football is more than a sport—it's a cultural pillar—the idea of selling off the World Cup's soul is particularly troubling.
So who could step into Infantino's shoes? Here are five names that are already being floated in corridors of power from Zürich to Buenos Aires.
Nasser Al Khelaifi: The club executive with global reach
Nasser Al Khelaifi, the Qatari who runs Paris Saint-Germain and chairs the European Club Association, is perhaps the most visible candidate. His résumé is impressive: president of PSG, chairman of the ECA, and a member of UEFA's executive committee. That gives him a network that spans clubs, leagues, and national associations across Europe and beyond. Al Khelaifi has been a key figure in the commercial growth of the sport, and his diplomatic skills have earned him respect even among rivals. But his ties to Qatar—and the controversy surrounding the 2022 World Cup—could be a double-edged sword.
Victor Montagliani: The Concacaf pragmatist
Victor Montagliani, a Canadian who has led Concacaf since 2016, is another strong contender. He knows the FIFA machinery inside out, having served on its council for years. Under his leadership, Concacaf has seen significant commercial growth, and he's built strong relationships across the Americas—from México to the Caribbean. Montagliani is often described as a consensus builder, someone who can bridge the gap between the sport's traditional powers and emerging markets. For a region that will host the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and México, his candidacy would carry extra weight.
Aleksander Čeferin: The UEFA heavyweight
Aleksander Čeferin, the Slovenian who heads UEFA, controls the most financially powerful bloc in football. He earned his stripes by dismantling the European Super League, a move that solidified his standing among Europe's top clubs and national federations. Čeferin's focus has been on European affairs, but his track record of protecting the sport's traditional structures could resonate globally. If he decides to run, he would bring the full weight of UEFA's influence—and its checkbook—to the campaign.
Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa: The Asian bloc's choice
Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, has been a fixture in FIFA politics for over a decade. He ran for the presidency in 2016, losing to Infantino, but he retains deep support across Asia and the Middle East. These regions have poured massive investments into football, and their influence in governance is growing. Sheikh Salman's voting base is solid, and he could be a unifying figure for the sport's expanding markets.
Patrice Motsepe: The African voice
South African businessman Patrice Motsepe, who leads the Confederation of African Football, rounds out the list. Motsepe has overseen a period of commercial growth in African football, and he's been a vocal advocate for developing the sport in emerging markets. However, the logistical problems that plagued the recent Africa Cup of Nations have slightly dented his momentum. Still, his regional support is strong, and he represents a continent that is increasingly important to FIFA's future.
The race to succeed Infantino is not just about personalities—it's about the direction of the game. The pushback against his $20 billion plan has exposed a deeper desire for transparency and accountability. Infantino's salary and perks have also been a point of contention, especially in Latin America, where many feel the sport's leadership is out of touch with its grassroots.
For Latino fans, the next FIFA president will shape the future of the game we love—from the World Cup to the Copa América to the grassroots clubs in our barrios. The decision will be made in the coming months, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
