In the corridors of North and Central American football, Victor Montagliani is set to remain focused on Concacaf rather than mount a challenge for FIFA’s highest office. The Canadian administrator is not expected to stand against Gianni Infantino in the presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
Quick facts
- Victor Montagliani intends to seek another term as Concacaf president.
- FIFA’s next presidential election is due in March 2027.
- The deadline for candidates to enter is 18 November.
- Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega is the only declared candidate so far.
- Infantino is pursuing what would be a fourth term after a decade leading FIFA.
Montagliani had emerged as the most credible possible opponent to Infantino, particularly given his close working relationship with UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin. The son of Italian immigrants was once viewed as an ally of the FIFA president before their relationship cooled.
His decision not to enter the race substantially strengthens Infantino’s position. No other heavyweight challenger has yet appeared, despite resistance to the FIFA president from UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation.
Infantino has led FIFA for 10 years, and his standing has faced fresh criticism following an unsuccessful proposal to establish a commercial partnership that would have allowed private investors into the World Cup.
For now, Vega remains the lone public contender. With the 18 November nomination deadline approaching, the election picture points increasingly towards Infantino retaining the presidency for another four-year cycle.
