Ramon Vega challenges Infantino for FIFA presidency

Swiss defender Ramon Vega, a former player for Cagliari and Tottenham, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of FIFA in next year's elections, becoming the first challenger to officially declare his intention to contest current president Gianni Infantino.

Vega, who is 55 years old, stated in his announcement: "I am running to unite the global football family, implement real and sustainable reforms, modernize FIFA to fit the 21st century, restore stability and credibility, and rebuild the trust that our sport urgently needs."

The former Switzerland international added: "Football does not belong to presidents, continental federations, or officials. Football is a sport for the people, and it belongs to everyone, from players and coaches to referees, fans, volunteers, clubs, leagues, federations, and communities."

Figa has sharply criticized the current FIFA administration, stating: "The current administration has frustrated the world of football. It has weakened governance, damaged FIFA's credibility, and affected trust within the global football family. We must not allow this conflict to escalate, and power struggles at the top should never harm those who matter most: the players, coaches, referees, and fans around the world. Football is in intensive care and connected to life support."

Vega previously attempted to reach the FIFA presidency in 2015, following the suspension of former president Sepp Blatter. He announced in 2019 his intention to compete against Infantino, but he was unable to secure the necessary support to join the list of candidates, having failed to obtain the backing of five national federations out of 211 member associations in FIFA.