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Uefa nears decision on rival for Fifa presidency

European football’s governing body and allies could approve a challenger to Gianni Infantino as early as next week.

Uefa and allied confederations are reportedly close to selecting a candidate to challenge Gianni Infantino in next year’s Fifa presidential election. The identity of a possible rival has not yet been confirmed.

Candidates for the Fifa presidency must confirm their bids by 18 November, according to reporting on the election timetable. A challenger would face Infantino, who is seeking a fourth term as president of world football’s governing body.

The effort follows a dispute over a proposal associated with Fifa’s commercial and tournament strategy. Critics within European football argued that the plan threatened established governance arrangements and concentrated too much authority in the president’s office.

Reports have named no final candidate. The reported Uefa process does not establish that former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is standing.

Any candidate would need backing across Fifa’s membership, which includes national associations outside Europe. Infantino has sought support from confederations and associations in different regions and has presented himself as a defender of football’s development model.

A contested election could open debate about control of tournament revenues, the influence of regional confederations and accountability within Fifa.

Uefa’s executive committee and national association leaders are expected to consider the matter before the nomination deadline. Until a name is formally submitted, the reported plan remains an internal political effort rather than a completed challenge.

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