European football chiefs identify strong candidate to challenge Gianni Infantino amid FIFA's World Cup sell-off row

Senior European football officials are discussing Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi as a potential challenger to FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid opposition to FIFA's proposed World Cup commercial investment plan.

FIFA's plan would establish a new commercial company overseeing its competitions, allowing outside investors to acquire a 20% minority stake.

Al-Khelaifi has publicly ruled out a presidential bid, with his representatives stating he has no ambition for the FIFA role.

The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027.

Infantino announced at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in April 2026 that he intends to seek another four-year term, extending his presidency until 2031.