Nasser Al-Khelaifi rules himself out of FIFA presidential race

Wednesday 30 September 2026 - 23:15

By: Azzat Manal

Nasser Al-Khelaifi rules himself out of FIFA presidential race

Paris Saint-Germain president and European Football Clubs chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi has ruled himself out of the race to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, ending speculation that he could emerge as a potential alternative to the Swiss-Italian incumbent.

Speaking after the European Football Clubs general assembly in Copenhagen, Al-Khelaifi said he had no interest or ambition to take up a position at FIFA. He also questioned whether he would be suited to the role, making clear that he intends to remain focused on his current responsibilities in European club football.

Al-Khelaifi's comments came as European football organizations continue to debate the future leadership and governance of world football. Infantino is seeking another term, while opposition to some of FIFA's recent proposals has intensified among several influential football bodies.

One of the main sources of tension has been FIFA's abandoned plan to establish a commercial subsidiary that could have allowed private investors to acquire a stake in future football revenues. The proposal was withdrawn after opposition from several football stakeholders, including UEFA and other confederations.

The controversy has also brought greater attention to the relationship between FIFA and European clubs. During its Copenhagen assembly, the EFC said its membership had grown to 920 clubs from 55 countries and territories and announced a study into the possibility of creating a global organization representing clubs.

Al-Khelaifi's position at the EFC gives him an influential role in discussions about the relationship between clubs and international football authorities. His decision not to seek the FIFA presidency, however, means that the search for a possible challenger to Infantino will have to focus on other figures.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has emerged as one of the most prominent critics of Infantino's leadership, although he has ruled himself out as a candidate for the FIFA presidency. At the Copenhagen meeting, Ceferin delivered a strongly worded address criticizing FIFA's recent governance and commercial initiatives without directly naming Infantino.

The debate is taking place ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Morocco. With the deadline for nominations approaching, attention is expected to remain focused on whether another candidate will formally enter the contest. Reuters has reported that Infantino continues to have significant support among FIFA member associations, while opponents have also considered alternative strategies for challenging his leadership.

For European clubs, the dispute extends beyond the presidential election itself. Issues including financial distribution, representation in decision-making and the commercial development of international competitions have become increasingly important in discussions between clubs, UEFA and FIFA.

Al-Khelaifi's decision therefore removes one of the most frequently discussed potential names from the succession debate, while leaving the wider contest over FIFA's future leadership and governance unresolved. His continued role at the EFC is likely to keep him involved in those discussions even though he has made clear that he does not intend to seek the FIFA presidency.