Gulf contender emerges as potential challenger to Infantino in FIFA election

16:10

By: Azzat Manal

Gulf contender emerges as potential challenger to Infantino in FIFA election

The race for the presidency of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is beginning to attract greater attention, with several influential figures potentially preparing to challenge incumbent president Gianni Infantino in the organization’s next election.

Among the names being discussed is Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA’s first vice-president. His position within both the Asian and global football structures, combined with his extensive experience in football administration, could make him a significant potential rival to Infantino.

Speculation surrounding Sheikh Salman comes amid growing tensions between the AFC and FIFA leadership. Relations have been affected by disagreements over governance and a proposal known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, which involved plans to offer private investors a stake linked to the commercial rights of FIFA competitions.

The proposal faced criticism from several major confederations. The AFC, UEFA and CONCACAF were among the organizations that raised concerns and called for greater scrutiny of FIFA’s governance mechanisms. Their opposition highlighted broader debates over how decisions involving the international governing body’s commercial and financial activities should be made.

Sheikh Salman has taken a firm position on the issue, questioning the way the proposal was presented and criticizing what he described as insufficient consultation with FIFA’s member associations. The AFC subsequently joined calls for an urgent review of governance arrangements within the global football body.

The Bahraini official has considerable experience in international football administration. He has led the AFC since 2013 and was re-elected in 2023 for a third term extending through 2027. His previous experience in the FIFA presidential race could also give him an advantage if he decides to enter the contest again.

Sheikh Salman previously challenged for FIFA’s top position in 2016, when he was among the leading candidates seeking to replace Sepp Blatter. He ultimately lost the election to Infantino, who went on to consolidate his position at the head of world football.

A new challenge would take place in a significantly different political and institutional environment. Infantino has strengthened FIFA’s commercial reach during his presidency, overseeing the expansion of major competitions and seeking new sources of revenue. At the same time, questions about governance, financial transparency and the distribution of football’s commercial benefits remain subjects of debate among member associations and confederations.

Another figure potentially linked to the presidential contest is CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani. The Canadian football administrator has built a strong position within FIFA and represents another possible alternative to Infantino if the election develops into a broader contest.

The emergence of potential challengers could make the coming months particularly important for FIFA. Confederations representing different regions of the world are expected to assess their options before deciding whether to support an alternative candidate or maintain their backing for the incumbent.

The timetable for the election will also gradually narrow the field. Candidates seeking to challenge for the FIFA presidency are expected to submit their nominations by November 18, 2026. The election itself is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco.

The choice of Rabat as the venue adds further significance to the upcoming election, as Morocco continues to strengthen its position within international football. The country is also preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, giving it an increasingly prominent role in global football affairs.

For now, Sheikh Salman’s potential candidacy remains part of a developing political landscape rather than a confirmed challenge. However, his senior position within FIFA, leadership of the AFC and previous presidential experience make him one of the most closely watched figures as the succession battle begins to take shape.