Former Celtic player to run against Gianni Infantino for FIFA presidency

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FT Desk

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under huge pressure at the moment following a series of controversies.

At the 2026 World Cup draw in December, he created the inaugural FIFA 'Peace Prize' for United States President Donald Trump. It was seen as an act to massage Trump's ego which raised concerns for many as FIFA is supposed to remain a politically neutral organisation.

The relationship between Infantino and Trump directly impacted the action on the pitch at the World Cup, too, as the US President personally contacted Infantino to ask him to overturn USMNT striker Folarin Balogun's suspension after being sent off against Bosnia & Herzegovina so that he could play against Belgium.

In a historic first, FIFA intervened via a disciplinary committee, and Balogun was allowed to play.

Then, following the 2026 edition of the tournament, reports emerged that Infantino was planning to sell shares in the World Cup to private equity firms. These firms would subsequently have had a say in such factors as where and when the World Cup would be played going forward.

He received almost universal criticism for the plans, which were soon scrapped, with UEFA accusing him of trying to sell the soul of the sport.

Several continental organisations like UEFA and CONCACAF have withdrawn support for his presidency, as well as high-profile nations like England and France.

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A post shared by Ramon Vega (@ramonvega1415)

Infantino has already announced his intention to run as president in 2027 but he'll come up a surprise candidate in former Celtic and Tottenham defender Ramon Vega, who has announced his participation in the election.

"I am standing to reunite the global football family, deliver genuine and lasting reform, modernise FIFA for the 21st Century, restore stability and credibility, and rebuild the trust that our game urgently needs," he said.

To be eligible for candidacy, you need to have been actively involved in football as a player or official within FIFA, a confederation, or a national association for at least two of the previous five years before your nomination.

You also need support from at least five FIFA member associations to stand as a candidate.

Vega did display interest in the presidency before, in 2019, but did not garner enough support from the member nations at that time.

In his 11-page manifesto, Vega writes:

"Football does not belong to presidents, confederations or administrators. Football is greater than any position, any individual or any institution.

"It is the people's game and belongs to everyone: the players, coaches, referees, supporters, volunteers, clubs, leagues, associations and communities that give football its life.

"It belongs to every child discovering the game, every professional carrying the hopes of a nation, and the billions of supporters whose passion makes football the world's game.

"Football must always come first. Yet for too long, division has fractured our football family.

"The current leadership has demoralised the game. Weak governance has damaged FIFA's credibility and eroded trust across the global football family. We must stop this conflict from escalating.

"Football is in the emergency room, on life support. We cannot wait any longer. FIFA needs a new direction and fundamental reform.

"We must reunite the football family, restore trust, bring stability and modernise FIFA's governance. This requires decisive change - not cosmetic adjustments."

Since retiring as a player in 2004, Vega has worked in finance.