Infantino’s re-election boosted as Montagliani stays at Concacaf

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has received a significant boost toward his bid for a fourth term after potential rival Victor Montagliani confirmed he will not challenge for the position. The head of Concacaf, who had been viewed as a likely candidate following the global backlash against Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup, instead stated he plans to seek a final term leading the regional governing body for North, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Montagliani, 61, had never formally declared an intention to run against Infantino, 56, but sources indicate he has informed colleagues he is remaining in his current role. This decision leaves opponents of the current FIFA leadership, spearheaded by European governing body Uefa, with a narrowed field. They now face a deadline of 18 November to identify a unifying candidate to oppose Infantino in the March election.

In Berlin, during a meeting of all 55 national association chiefs, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin announced he would also stand for a fourth term. Ceferin, 58, initially ruled out re-election in February 2024 amid a dispute over statute changes that allowed him to extend his tenure. However, expectations shifted as Uefa intensified its campaign against Infantino, who subsequently scrapped the sell-off plan following widespread opposition.

“I want to thank the national associations for their trust,” Ceferin said. “We have faced extraordinary challenges over the past years, and we have faced them as one team. There is still important work ahead, and I have therefore accepted their request.” He added that his ambition remains to keep European football united and prepare UEFA for the next generation.

While Ceferin has ruled out running against Infantino personally, he remains committed to finding a candidate capable of uniting the sport. Uefa simultaneously published a 14-point reform plan outlining its vision for FIFA governance. The proposals aim to reduce the direct powers of the FIFA president, remove political or executive interference from ethics and disciplinary oversight bodies, and ensure no FIFA resources are used for personal or electoral interests.

The plan also calls for an additional $10 million (£7.5 million) in funding for each of the 211 member associations. Notably, Azerbaijan was the only nation among the 55 members to dissent from the agreed direction. Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has stated his intention to stand, though it remains unclear if he can secure the necessary five letters of support to appear on the ballot.