Ramon Vega declares challenge to Infantino for FIFA presidency

Ramon Vega has publicly declared that he intends to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, becoming the first person to announce plans to oppose the incumbent ahead of next year’s election. His statement calls for reform of the governing body, but does not establish that he has met the formal requirements to become a candidate or secured support from football associations. Vega, 55, is a former Switzerland international who played for Celtic on loan from Tottenham Hotspur during the 2000-01 season. In his announcement, he said he was standing to serve football and argued that FIFA needed a new direction and fundamental reform. He also listed reuniting football’s global community, modernising FIFA and restoring trust and credibility among his aims. Infantino intends to seek a fourth term at the FIFA Congress scheduled for next March. His position has faced pressure following a proposal to bring private investment into a commercial vehicle associated with the World Cup. The plan was rejected by three confederations and later abandoned, according to the reports. UEFA was among those opposing it, and has said it has lost confidence in Infantino.