Gianni Infantino’s main rival has withdrawn from the race to head FIFA

Victor Montagliani, the president of CONCACAF, does not intend to run against Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election in March 2027, according to ESPN. The decision leaves the current head of world football’s governing body in a favorable position to secure a fourth term.

Montagliani was considered Infantino’s main potential challenger. The Canadian official, who has led CONCACAF since 2016, is also a FIFA vice president and enjoys the support of some UEFA representatives, who appreciate his work in developing football, including women’s football.

At this point, Ramon Vega, a former Tottenham defender, is the only candidate to have announced his intention to enter the electoral race. The deadline for submitting candidacies is November 18, meaning the time for a major rival to emerge is limited.

Infantino has led FIFA for a decade and has been involved in several controversies, including following the failed project to create a commercial company that would have allowed private investors to be brought into the organization of the World Cup. Montagliani gradually distanced himself from the FIFA president, but chose to focus his attention on a new term at the helm of CONCACAF.

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