UEFA seeks a challenger to Infantino as Africa backs his re-election
UEFA is looking for a candidate to challenge Gianni Infantino in FIFA’s 2027 presidential election, while Africa’s 54 national associations have pledged unanimous support for him. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin ruled himself out of the FIFA race and accepted a proposal to seek a fourth, final term at UEFA.
Bottom line — Infantino has Africa’s backing, but Ramon Vega has said he intends to challenge him.
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Daily Sabah reports that UEFA’s 55 members backed proposed FIFA reforms, with Azerbaijan the exception.
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UEFA wants stronger safeguards for FIFA oversight bodies against interference by senior officials, according to Daily Sabah.
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Daily Sabah says UEFA also called for a one-off $10 million (€9.2 million) payment to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
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Infantino said FIFA had invested $1 billion (€920 million) in Africa over 10 years, including $500 million (€460 million) in the last four, according to Daily Sabah.
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Sportcal reports UEFA accused Infantino of “criminal mismanagement” over a shelved plan to sell private investors stakes in FIFA competitions; FIFA rejected the claims.
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Daily Sabah says Ramon Vega’s eligibility is unclear: FIFA requires candidates to have held a recognised football role for at least two of the previous five years.