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5 contenders to replace Gianni Infantino as embattled FIFA chief fights to save job

Gianni Infantino's job security as FIFA president has taken a huge blow following the major backlash towards his controversial plans - and efforts are being made to oust him

[Nasser al-Khelaifi ]

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Nasser al-Khelaifi is reportedly reluctant to challenge Gianni Infantino

Gianni Infantino's days as FIFA president appear to be numbered after his plans to sell stakes in tournaments to investors backfired spectacularly.

Infantino clearly misjudged the reaction to his secretive plot and could pay for the mistake with his job. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation all voiced their displeasure with the plans, forcing Infantino to perform a humiliating U-turn.

But his opponents are not satisfied with having killed the plot; they want Infantino gone following 10 years at the top of world football. UEFA are said to be 'accelerating' plans to remove the Swiss and FIFA insiders believe he is now 'certain' to go.

If Infantino doesn't resign, then his opponents may have to force a vote of no confidence in his leadership, or back a rival in the upcoming FIFA presidential election. So who could put their name forward by November 18 to succeed Infantino in the election next year?

As the chiefs of world football scheme away behind the scenes, Mirror Football takes a look at five possible contenders.

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Victor Montagliani

The Canadian is the CONCACAF president and has emerged as one of the main contenders in a chaotic past few days. CONCACAF rejected FIFA's proposal for private investment, but was less critical in its words than UEFA.

Montagliani is a long-time ally of Infantino's but is reportedly ready to stand against him in the elections. Before the scandal, the 60-year-old was not going to challenge Infantino - who had been set to run unopposed - but had an eye on going for the role in 2031.

Yet Infantino's sudden unpopularity has seen Montagliani sense an opportunity with his involvement in the World Cup boosting his profile and credentials. He was the first non-Caribbean CONCACAF president since 1969 when he took over and is said to have support beyond his own federation.

[Victor Montagliani, President of CONCACAF]

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CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is one of the contenders(Image: Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz/Getty Images)

Nasser al-Khelaifi

The Paris Saint-Germain president is one of the most powerful figures in football. The Qatari leads the European Football Clubs umbrella group and is extremely influential in European club football.

Al-Khelaifi has plenty of allies and has been suggested as the next FIFA president. The only problem is that he is reportedly not keen, with a source saying he has "absolutely no ambition, no intention, nor any interest in this role at FIFA".

The chances of him changing his mind now appear even less likely after the Qatar Football Association put out a statement backing Infantino on Sunday.

[Paris Saint Germain's Qatari president Nasser al-Khelaifi speaks to the press after a reception at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris on June 1, 2025, a day after PSG won the 2025 UEFA Champions League final football match against Inter Milan in Munich. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP) (Photo by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images) ]

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Nasser al-Khelaifi is a powerful figure in European football(Image: LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images)

Mattias Granstrom

Granstrom is the FIFA general secretary and is seen as the most likely internal candidate to step up and replace Infantino. While he lacks the profile of the other candidates, he has reportedly not been tarnished by Infantino's plan and could therefore garner support, were he to consider running.

Dariusz Mioduski

The Polish lawyer is currently the vice-president of the European Football Clubs body, as well as president and owner of Legia Warsaw. His name has come up in the swirling rumour mill of the past few days

Mioduski has been backed by the Belgian, Spanish, Norwegian, German and Swedish associations, according to a report from talkSPORT earlier this month. With UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin reportedly unwilling to challenge for the FIFA presidency, Mioduski could become the European candidate.

[Dariusz Mioduski]

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Dariusz Mioduski has supporters in Europe(Image: Getty Images)

Sheikh Salman bin EbrahimAl Khalifa

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president is another possible candidate, despite initial reluctance to step forward. The AFC released a statement saying it "stands in solidarity" with UEFA and CONCACAF, but their words were much less fiery and there is reportedly less conviction in the territory's opposition to Infantino's plans.

Al Khalifa is a Bahraini and is very experienced, having been in charge of the AFC since 2013. But it remains to seen whether the 60-year-old wants to put his name forward.

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