Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega announces bid for FIFA presidency
Former Switzerland international becomes first to announce intention to challenge Gianni Infantino in 2027 election
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega announced Wednesday his intention to challenge FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is seeking reelection next year.
"I am standing to reunite the global football family, deliver genuine and lasting reform, modernise FIFA for the 21st Century, restore stability and credibility, and rebuild the trust that our game urgently needs," Vega said in a statement.
"Football does not belong to presidents, confederations or administrators. Football is greater than any position, any individual or any institution," said the 55-year-old.
"It is the people's game and belongs to everyone: the players, coaches, referees, supporters, volunteers, clubs, leagues, associations and communities that give football its life."
Vega accused FIFA's leadership of damaging trust in the governing body and demanded changes to its governance.
"The current leadership has demoralised the game. Weak governance has damaged FIFA's credibility and eroded trust across the global football family," he said. "Football is in the emergency room, on life support. We cannot wait any longer. FIFA needs a new direction and fundamental reform."
Infantino has faced demands to step down following the collapse of a controversial plan involving the sale of a stake in commercial and ticketing rights to FIFA competitions to private investors.
Vega considered running for the FIFA presidency in 2015, telling the BBC at the time that he was weighing a candidacy.
Four years later, he announced plans to challenge Infantino but failed to secure the backing of five FIFA member associations required to appear on the ballot.
Candidates seeking to challenge Infantino in the 2027 election have until Nov. 18 to declare their intention to stand.
Vega earned 23 caps for Switzerland and played for clubs including Tottenham, Celtic and Watford before retiring in 2004. He later pursued a career in finance.
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