Ex-Spurs defender Ramon Vega announces bid to become next FIFA president

The 55-year-old former Switzerland international says he wants to reunite football’s governing community and restore confidence in FIFA through major reforms.

“I am standing to reunite the global football family, deliver genuine and lasting reform, modernise FIFA for the 21st Century, restore stability and credibility, and rebuild the trust that our game urgently needs,” Vega said.

Vega played for Tottenham, Celtic and Watford before retiring in 2004 and moving into the finance sector.

He previously considered challenging for the FIFA presidency in 2015 following Sepp Blatter’s suspension and announced his intention to stand against Infantino in 2019.

However, he failed to secure the required backing from five of FIFA’s 211 member associations and did not make the ballot.

Vega is now attempting to launch another campaign, arguing that football requires a fundamental change in direction.

“I am standing because my life has prepared me to serve the game,” he said.

“Football does not belong to presidents, confederations or administrators. Football is greater than any position, any individual or any institution.”

Vega has published an 11-page manifesto outlining his vision for FIFA and says football must be placed ahead of political and administrative interests.

“The current leadership has demoralised the game,” he said. “Weak governance has damaged FIFA’s credibility and eroded trust across the global football family.”

He also called for greater unity between the different groups that make up the sport.

“It is the people’s game and belongs to everyone: the players, coaches, referees, supporters, volunteers, clubs, leagues, associations and communities that give football its life,” Vega said.

His campaign comes amid continuing criticism of Infantino and disagreements over FIFA governance, including a disputed plan involving the organisation’s commercialisation of World Cup assets.

Vega says he wants to replace what he considers cosmetic reform with fundamental change.

“Football is in the emergency room, on life support,” he said. “We cannot wait any longer. FIFA needs a new direction and fundamental reform.”

Vega must still satisfy FIFA’s eligibility requirements and secure support from at least five member associations to appear on the ballot.

The election is scheduled for 2027, with Infantino expected to seek another term.