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FIFA Power Struggle: Will PSG Boss Become Infantino's Challenger?
According to a report, PSG President Nasser al-Khelaifi could run as a challenger to Gianni Infantino in next year's FIFA election.
The billionaire investment plan of FIFA President Gianni Infantino could trigger a power struggle for the top position of the world association.
According to a report by the magazine "Politico", leading European football officials are considering putting forward PSG President Nasser al-Khelaifi as a challenger in the 2027 FIFA election.
The magazine cites three high-ranking officials from international football who wished to remain anonymous. According to them, the search for a potential challenger already began during the recent Club World Cup.
Infantino's push to involve private investors in a new company for the marketing and organization of FIFA competitions has further accelerated these considerations. UEFA has already reacted to this with a World Cup boycott (More Info>>>).
PSG President Since 2011
Al-Khelaifi is one of the most influential officials in world football. Since 2011, the Qatari has been at the helm of Paris Saint-Germain; he is also chairman of beIN Media Group and president of the European Club Association (ECA), which represents more than 850 European clubs.
The 51-year-old already demonstrated his political influence during the Super League dispute in 2021. While twelve top European clubs sought to break away from existing competitions, PSG clearly stood behind UEFA.
Shortly thereafter, al-Khelaifi took over the leadership of the ECA and played a central role in the reorganization of the European club association.
An EU official involved with Infantino's investment project told Politico: "The stars are aligned." However, whether al-Khelaifi will actually run remains open.
Candidacy Remains Open
His own stance, at least, speaks against it.
A spokesman for the PSG president refuted corresponding speculations on Wednesday: "Nasser has no ambitions and no interest in the FIFA role. He will continue to focus on discreetly supporting the institutions of European and world football."
Regardless, Gianni Infantino is likely to want to defend his position. The Swiss plans to run for another term as president in the 2027 FIFA election.
