Reports say UEFA has approached three high-profile figures to run against Gianni Infantino at March’s FIFA election.
Arsene Wenger, Michele Kang and Lise Klaveness have reportedly been approached by UEFA to challenge Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election. The Times and L’Equipe reported the approach, which comes as Infantino prepares to seek a fourth term in March.
Three Names On The List
The Times journalist Martyn Ziegler and L’Equipe’s Arnaud Hermand broke the news. They also reported that a fourth candidate, who remains unnamed, is considering a run. That person would command international support, according to the report.
Only former Tottenham (8.00) defender Ramon Vega has publicly announced his candidacy so far. Candidates have until 23:59 CEST on November 18 to declare their bid. They need the support of five FIFA member associations. UEFA has not confirmed that it approached any of the three.
Aleksander Ceferin has already announced he will stand for another term as UEFA president. European Club Association chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi has ruled himself out of any run at the FIFA presidency.
Wenger Brings An Insider’s Respect
Wenger, 76, has worked at FIFA since 2019 as chief of global soccer development. The former Arsenal manager commands wide respect across the sport. A candidacy from him would surprise many observers because he works inside the organisation. The Times described the possibility as a surprise development in the race.
Moves are reportedly under way to line up a serious challenger before nominations close. Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who stood against Infantino in 2015, has also been mentioned. Whether he wants another attempt remains unclear. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has no plans to run against Infantino.
Kang And Klaveness Offer Contrasting Profiles
Kang, 67, owns several successful women’s clubs, including OL Lyonnes, London City Lionesses and the Washington Spirit. The Korean-born American businesswoman entered women’s soccer in 2020 as majority owner of the Spirit.
In July 2026, she bought a majority stake in Olympique Lyon (2.34) and became its president and chairwoman. Klaveness, a former Norway international, has criticised Infantino since she became head of the Norwegian soccer association in 2022. She attacked FIFA over the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ+ fans.
She also questioned the 2034 World Cup bidding process, which she said favoured Saudi Arabia. Klaveness called for the FIFA Peace Prize to be scrapped in April 2026. She led the outrage when FIFA overturned Folarin Balogun’s suspension for the round of 16 at the World Cup.
She took a front-line role in UEFA’s opposition to the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has publicly endorsed her. She called for Infantino to resign in early August.
Infantino Still Holds The Edge
Infantino faces ethics complaints and a string of scandals, yet he refuses to step aside. The Times reports that he is growing more confident of keeping his job. His opponents still hope a serious rival will emerge before nominations close. A challenger needs backing from five associations to reach the ballot.
UEFA’s own power base remains strong in Europe but looks weaker elsewhere. African, South American and Oceanian federations have shown no sign of abandoning Infantino. Montagliani’s refusal to run also removes one possible rival. The next five weeks will show whether UEFA can turn rumours into a credible campaign.
