FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces potential challengers for third term

Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president, which he had hoped would be unopposed, is facing a potential challenge from candidates backed by UEFA federations, talkSPORT understands. Infantino confirmed his intention to seek a third term at April's FIFA Congress, but growing discontent within European football bodies has led to discussions about alternative candidates.

The move comes in the wake of controversy surrounding Infantino's close relationship with US President Donald Trump. talkSPORT exclusively revealed that Infantino received a call from Trump asking him to review a red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun. The red card was subsequently suspended, a decision that UEFA criticised as 'crossing a red line'. Infantino defended the independence of FIFA's disciplinary committee, but the episode has strained relations with UEFA.

Potential candidates emerge

Multiple UEFA federations, including Belgium and Poland, are reportedly in favour of Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi standing for election. However, Al-Khelaifi is said to have no current ambition to run and would require significant persuasion. Other names discussed include Legia Warsaw owner Dariusz Mioduski, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, and CAF president Patrice Motsepe. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, though a natural candidate, is understood to be willing to continue in his current role rather than challenge Infantino.

• Infantino confirmed seeking a third term at April's FIFA Congress
• UEFA federations are backing candidates to challenge him
• Controversy over Trump call regarding Balogun red card strained relations
• PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is a favoured candidate but unlikely to run
• Other names include Mioduski, Montagliani, and Motsepe

The FIFA presidential election is expected to take place in 2027. Infantino has not yet faced a serious challenger since taking office in 2016, but European discontent could force a contested vote. Whether any candidate formally steps forward remains to be seen.