Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has entered the race to become the next president of FIFA, setting up a potential contest with incumbent Gianni Infantino at the 2027 election.
The former Switzerland international, 55, has become the first candidate to publicly confirm his intention to run against Infantino, who is seeking another term at the head of world football’s governing body.
Vega’s announcement comes at a period of growing debate over FIFA’s leadership and governance. The former defender says his campaign will focus on bringing the football community together, improving the organisation’s administration and restoring confidence among stakeholders.
Vega promises major FIFA reforms
After retiring from professional football in 2004, Vega moved into the financial sector. He now wants to use his experience from both football and business as part of his bid for the FIFA presidency.
Announcing his candidacy, the former Spurs player said he wants to create a more united football community while pushing through reforms capable of modernising FIFA.
Vega argued that football should not be controlled by a small group of administrators or officials, stressing that the sport ultimately belongs to everyone involved in it, from players and coaches to referees, clubs and supporters.
He also criticised what he described as divisions within football’s leadership, warning that disputes among administrators should not be allowed to affect the wider game.
According to Vega, FIFA needs more than minor adjustments. He believes the organisation requires significant structural changes to rebuild its credibility and regain the confidence of people across the football world.
A second attempt at the FIFA presidency
This is not Vega’s first attempt to enter FIFA’s presidential race.
The former centre-back previously explored a possible campaign in 2015 following the suspension of then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter. He later announced in 2019 that he intended to challenge Infantino.
However, Vega could not obtain the required support from FIFA member associations and failed to make the final ballot. FIFA has 211 member associations, and presidential hopefuls must secure the necessary endorsements to qualify.
His latest campaign will therefore depend on whether he can gather sufficient backing before the election process is completed.
Vega’s playing career
Vega enjoyed a lengthy career in European football and represented several clubs during his playing days.
He featured for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and also spent time with Scottish giants Celtic and English club Watford. At international level, he earned 23 caps for Switzerland between 1993 and 2001.
His background gives him direct experience of professional football, while his post-playing career in finance has provided him with exposure to the business side of the sport.
Vega believes that combination can help him offer a different approach to FIFA leadership.
Infantino faces another challenge
Infantino has been under increasing scrutiny in recent months, with criticism surrounding FIFA’s governance and several controversial decisions.
Despite calls from some quarters for a change at the top, the Swiss-Italian administrator has maintained that he remains committed to leading FIFA.
The political atmosphere around the organisation has also intensified ahead of next year’s election. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has ruled himself out of challenging Infantino but previously predicted that the FIFA president could face an opponent if he chooses to contest the election.
Vega’s declaration now provides a confirmed challenger, although his ability to make the final ballot will depend on securing the required support from FIFA’s member associations.
The former Spurs defender is presenting his campaign as a call for unity, accountability and institutional reform. Whether those promises can attract enough support to end Infantino’s time at FIFA will become clearer as the presidential race develops.
