FIFA World Cup crisis: Who could replace Infantino as president?

FIFA has shelved its controversial plan to privatize stakes in the World Cup and related events, effectively ending the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal that triggered significant opposition across football's governing bodies. The withdrawal came after sustained criticism from multiple continental confederations and senior officials within the organization itself.

Infantino's tenure as FIFA president, which began in 2016 with unopposed re-elections in 2019 and 2023, now faces genuine uncertainty. The backlash to his investment scheme proved more damaging than anticipated, compounded by the resignation of his senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro and allegations from FIFA's chief operating officer Kevin Lamour that Infantino had misled employees. UEFA's public statement of lost confidence marked a significant turning point in what had appeared to be a secure political position.

Several figures have emerged as potential challengers in the March presidential election. Nasser al-Khelaifi, the Qatari president of Paris Saint-Germain and chair of beIN Media Group, has quickly risen to prominence as a possible candidate. The 52-year-old also leads the European Football Clubs lobby group and serves on both UEFA's executive committee and FIFA's Council. Under his stewardship, PSG secured UEFA Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026.

Victor Montagliani, FIFA's current vice president and CONCACAF president, represents another strong contender given his institutional position. The 60-year-old Canadian has led CONCACAF since 2016 and played a central role in organizing the 2026 World Cup across North America. Though CONCACAF's 41 member associations rejected the FFE proposal, they stopped short of endorsing UEFA's boycott stance, and speculation suggests Montagliani may be preparing a challenge.

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA's senior vice president, has also emerged as a potential candidate. The Bahraini official was among the most vocal critics of Infantino's plans, describing them as "totally unacceptable" in correspondence to AFC's 47 member associations. The AFC subsequently aligned itself with UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing the proposals.