Infantino loses another challenger as Montagliani stays with CONCACAF

Gianni Infantino's bid for another term as FIFA president received a significant boost: Victor Montagliani, one of the names floated as a possible challenger, will not enter the race for world football's top job. The 61-year-old Canadian has opted to complete his tenure as CONCACAF president rather than take on the Swiss official at the ballot box in March 2027.

• Victor Montagliani rules out running for FIFA president and will seek a final term at CONCACAF.
• The Canadian was seen by UEFA as a figure capable of uniting the opposition against Infantino.
• Aleksander Ceferin will stand for a fourth term as UEFA president, the European body has announced.
• UEFA has until November 18 to find a consensus candidate for the elections in March.

Montagliani halts opposition expectations

For months, Victor Montagliani's name had circulated as a potential opposition card to stop Gianni Infantino from securing a fourth consecutive mandate. The Canadian has led CONCACAF since 2016, and his work governing football across North America, Central America and the Caribbean had earned him respect within UEFA, which saw him as a credible figure to challenge the current president.

Discontent with Infantino grew after the collapse of his proposal to sell World Cup equity stakes to private investors, an initiative rejected by a large number of federations and confederations. That climate fuelled speculation about an alternative candidacy, but Montagliani never formally announced his intention to run. With his decision to remain at the regional confederation now shared with colleagues, the picture has become simpler for FIFA's current leader.

What UEFA loses without Montagliani

Montagliani's withdrawal is a setback for UEFA's strategy. The European body considered him one of the few candidates able to gather support beyond the European bloc. His knowledge of CONCACAF football, combined with strong links to UEFA's leadership, made him a particularly uncomfortable opponent for Infantino. With him out of the picture, the European body must restart its search.

Montagliani was well regarded by UEFA, which now needs to find a consensus candidate before the November 18 deadline.

Ceferin will stand again at UEFA

Aleksander Ceferin's announcement has also reshaped the European football landscape. The Slovenian, who in February 2024 had ruled out the idea of seeking a fourth term, has reversed course and will run for re-election as UEFA president. The confirmation came on Thursday from the continental governing body and puts an end to rumours about a possible switch to the FIFA race.

Ceferin has made clear he will not challenge Infantino in the March elections. He has, however, committed to leading the search for an alternative candidate capable of uniting the football world behind a single bid. Time is tight: any candidacy must be finalised before November 18.

A fourth term for Infantino looks increasingly likely

Infantino has confirmed his intention to seek a fourth term in the FIFA presidential elections scheduled for March 2027. With Montagliani out of contention and Ceferin focused on UEFA, the current president faces fewer potential rivals with genuine international weight.

The opposition can still field a candidate, but the November deadline leaves little room for manoeuvre. If no credible challenger emerges in the coming weeks, Infantino will head into the electoral process from a far more comfortable position. The Swiss has governed FIFA since 2016, succeeding Joseph Blatter, and his tenure has been marked by World Cup expansion, rising revenues and the controversial private investment proposal.

The key dates shaping the electoral race

The FIFA elections will take place in March 2027, but the electoral process requires candidates to be finalised months in advance. Any presidential hopeful must submit their candidacy and secure the necessary endorsements by November 18. After that date, the campaign enters its final stretch.

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