The Telegraph: UEFA explores successors for Infantino at FIFA;

The Telegraph: UEFA explores successors for Infantino at FIFA;

According to Championat.

Background

Victor Montagliani, as president of CONCACAF, has a strong position in the discussion about Infantino's succession. His experience and leadership qualities are valued within UEFA, making him a serious candidate. Sheikh Salman, who has contested for the FIFA presidency in the past, also brings significant managerial experience, making him a relevant option in this context.

Why this matters

UEFA's search for a successor to Gianni Infantino is crucial for the future of world football. A 'unifying' figure at the top position could promote stability within FIFA, especially at a time of growing tensions between different football associations. The choice of a new leader could also influence the organization of future tournaments, such as the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in collaboration with CONCACAF.

Key points

• The Telegraph: UEFA explores successors for Infantino at FIFA;.
• According to The Telegraph, UEFA is looking at scenarios for the succession of Gianni Infantino at FIFA.
• The Telegraph Newsletter ФИФА.

UEFA is working behind the scenes on scenarios for Gianni Infantino's succession as FIFA president, The Telegraph reports. In the event of a voluntary departure of the current chairman, the European umbrella association would like to see a 'unifying' figure at the highest position in global football governance. According to the British newspaper, Victor Montagliani, the president of CONCACAF, is highly respected within UEFA. Sources cited by The Telegraph cite his leadership qualities as a key reason why he is considered a serious option. Montagliani heads the association for North and Central America and the Caribbean, a region that will organize the world championship in 2026 together with Canada, the United States and Mexico. A second name circulating, according to The Telegraph, is that of Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Sheikh Salman already competed for the highest office within FIFA in 2016, but lost the election to Infantino. His administrative experience and international network make him a logical candidate in the event of a change of power in the eyes of various directors. The Telegraph previously reported that the 55 member associations of UEFA would be prepared to support a vote of no confidence if Infantino did not step down of his own accord. This underlines the breadth of concerns in Europe about the current direction of governance. The reporting emphasizes that UEFA is looking for a candidate who can connect the various power blocs within world football. A possible change at the top of FIFA could have an impact on the strategic direction in the long termfrom international football, from calendar issues to tournament organization. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon – a mega tournament involving 48 countries, played in the United States, Canada and Mexico – stability and coordination between the confederations are crucial. Whichever chairman is at the helm, the implementation of the tournament and the cooperation with all associations and organizers remains a complex task. Formally, the FIFA president is elected by the national associations during the FIFA Congress. The Telegraph's reporting did not mention concrete candidacies or an official procedure; it concerns explorations and assessments within UEFA in case a vacancy arises. UEFA and FIFA have not provided any official confirmation or further explanation of the scenarios outlined in the cited publication. It is clear that, if there is a change, names such as Montagliani and Sheikh Salman will play a major role in the international discourse.

What's happening now

If Infantino does not resign voluntarily, it is likely that UEFA will table a vote of no confidence, which could lead to a change of power within FIFA. The candidates, Victor Montagliani and Sheikh Salman, will have to tailor their strategies to the wishes of UEFA members. The coming months will be crucial for the future of both UEFA and FIFA, especially in view of the upcoming elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Gianni Infantino?

UEFA is exploring successors for Gianni Infantino as FIFA president, according to a report from The Telegraph.

Who are the possible successors to Infantino?

Victor Montagliani, the president of CONCACAF, and Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the Asian Football Confederation, have been mentioned as possible successors.

Why this search for successors now?

The search stems from concerns within UEFA about Infantino's current management course, with 55 member associations prepared to support a vote of no confidence if he does not step down voluntarily.

What are Montagliani's qualities as a candidate?

Montagliani is valued for his leadership qualities and is seen as a serious option due to his role as president of CONCACAF.

What does UEFA hope to achieve with a new president?

UEFA is looking for a 'unifying' figure who can connect the different power blocs within world football.

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