Gianni Infantino is facing growing pressure, and five names are now being discussed as possible challengers for the FIFA presidency in 2027. The list includes Aleksander Ceferin, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Dariusz Mioduski, Victor Montagliani, and Sheik Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa.bbc+2
What are the five names?
These five names are being discussed because Infantino’s position has weakened after the backlash over his World Cup investment plan, which several confederations rejected. UEFA said it had lost confidence in him, while CONCACAF and the AFC also raised concerns about FIFA’s governance.
Why is Infantino under pressure?
The pressure increased after FIFA dropped its controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. UEFA’s 55 member associations said they would not participate in FIFA tournaments until the plan was withdrawn. That forced a major climbdown and revived talk of an election challenge in March 2027.
This matters because FIFA presidential races usually need bloc support from confederations and member federations. The current debate is not only about personalities, but also about who can assemble enough political backing across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. That makes internal power, not just football reputation, the key issue.
Who has the strongest chance?
At this stage, Aleksander Ceferin and Nasser Al-Khelaifi look to be the most talked-about in Europe. Ceferin has the profile, while Al-Khelaifi influences club football and several reported allies within federations. But both are described as reluctant, which makes the race more open than it looks.
Victor Montagliani is another serious name because he already sits near the top of FIFA politics through CONCACAF. SheikSalman also remains relevant due to his role at the AFC and his standing on the IFA Council. Dariusz Mioduski is the outsider in this group. Still, his name suggests that some federations may want a fresh face rather than a direct rival from the top tier.
What happens next?
The next real turning point is the nomination period and the buildup to the 2027 vote. If Infantino continues to lose support, one of these five names could emerge as the unity candidate. If not, the rumors may fade, and the incumbent may stay in control.bbc+1
A related internal link could be placed to a pillar page such as /football-news/fifa/, with supporting links to older pieces on FIFA governance, UEFA politics, and World Cup decisions. A strong related angle would also be a follow-up on how FIFA presidential elections work for readers who want the political context.
