Sports
Candidates Who Could Replace Gianni Infantino as FIFA President
For nearly a decade, Gianni Infantino has been one of the most powerful figures in world sport—but the question of ‘who comes next’ is no longer being asked in private. And whilst the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America has seen record figures, mostly due to the expanded 48-team format, recent controversies have led to opposition from senior figures across world football.
Having initially started working at UEFA in 2000, Infantino was elected as FIFA president in February 2016, overseeing his first World Cup with the 2018 edition of the tournament in Russia, for which he received the ‘Order of friendship’ from Vladimir Putin. But his time at the most senior position in world football has come under threat after recent controversies in the lead up to, and including, the 2026 World Cup, in particular, his close relationship with US president Donald Trump.
At the 75th FIFA Congress in May 2025, UEFA’s delegation of officials walked out of the meeting in protest, after Infantino arrived two hours late due to a meeting with Trump in the Middle East, with complaints that he had prioritized political concerns over football.
Just months later, their relationship came into question again after Infantino announced the FIFA Peace Prize, with the US President being the first recipient. Furthermore, FairSquare, a human rights and sports governance organization, along with UEFA and various other parties, called out FIFA’s decision to suspend Floarin Balogun’s red card ahead of the USMNT’s last 16 match against Belgium, particularly after Donald Trump confirmed that the reversal came after he phoned Infantino about the suspension.
In their official response to the matter, UEFA claimed that FIFA had “crossed a red line”, labeling it an “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”
So who could succeed Infantino as the next FIFA president? Here is a look at some of the potential candidates.
Aleksander Čeferin
Having held the position of UEFA president, and therefore FIFA vice-president, Aleksander Čeferin, is the most obvious candidate, and likely the most qualified. The Slovenian lawyer has overseen two major tournaments since assuming office in September 2016, as well as almost a decade of European club competition experience.
However, although he has opposed Infantino on multiple issues, it is understood that he is willing to run for a third term in his current role, which would take him to 2031, if no other candidates step forward.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi
Current PSG president and EFC chairman, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, has seen his name caught in conversations over Infantino’s successor. Having taken over the French giants in 2011, the Qatari national has a decade and a half of experience at one of Europe’s most elite clubs, which would put him in good stead, if he were to take over.
However, as reported by talkSPORT, it is understood that Al-Khelaifi has no real interest in becoming FIFA president, so would need some serious persuading.
Dariusz Mioduski
Polish lawyer, Dariusz Mioduski, is another candidate from a UEFA nation, having taken over as president at Legia Warsaw in late 2012. It is believed that senior officials from German and Spanish football, among other European federations, have talked about backing the Pole.
However, whilst he does have a wealth of knowledge about club football, his lack of experience within Europe’s elite could mean that he is less-suited than other candidates for the FIFA position. However, he is vice-president of the EFC, the independent body for football clubs within Europe.
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Victor Montagliani
The 33rd President of the Canadian Soccer Association, Victor Montagliani, is another suitor for the FIFA presidency, having served as CONCACAF president and FIFA vice-president since May 2016.
Although Montagliani has made no secret of his desire to become FIFA president one day, sources close to him have suggested his focus is on being re-elected into his current position.
Patrice Motsepe
One of the main candidates from the Confederation for African Football (CAF), is Mamelodi Sundowns owner, Patrice Motsepe. The South African bought the team in 2003, and later became CAF president in 2021.
Similarly to Montagliani, Motsepe has dreams of being FIFA president. However, he is unlikely to face-off against Infantino, of whom he is a close ally, and would instead look to run in 2031, an election in which Infantino cannot stand.
US President Donald Trump is being mocked on social media after giving his tactical insight following Argentina’s 2-1 win over England in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, Trump raised eyebrows with critical comments about Thomas Tuchel’s use of England’s record goalscorer Harry Kane during the closing stages of Wednesday’s match at the Atlanta Stadium.
The 80-year-old also provided his thoughts on the impact of Lionel Messi, Argentina’s talismanic captain who inspired the comeback by providing the assists for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
Messi, 39, now leads the race for the Golden Boot (top scorer) and Golden Ball (best player) accolades, as well as the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.
The Inter Miami forward will further cement his status, in the eyes of many, as the greatest footballer of all time if he successfully helps Argentina defend their World Cup trophy this weekend.
Trump Reveals Messi Tactical Observation
Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump explained he noticed something with Messi that “nobody talked about” during the England game.
“I watched Messi and he was well guarded, right? Well guarded,” Trump said. “And all of a sudden he’s standing on the right – do you understand [pointing to a reporter] what I’m talking about?
“I just noticed it. Nobody talked about it, I just noticed it.
“I said ‘he’s still well guarded by a great player’ and then… [Messi] moved to the right, and the other player was just standing there. And [Messi] had plenty of time, kicked it, it was within a quarter of an inch of being perfect. That was the end of the game, it was brilliant.” Watch the clip below:
Trump is being mocked by football fans after trying to take credit for spotting Messi had drifted wide to the right flank.
One person wrote on X (Twitter): “‘Nobody talked about it’? What an utter fool,” while another added:
“Wow. I hadn’t noticed that Messi was standing on the right at all. How has nobody mentioned this?”
A third wrote: “‘Nobody talked about it’ – Soccer expert Donald J. Trump.”
While a fourth tweeted: ‘He can see what nobody else can, it’s incredible.”
A fifth football fan said: “This fella is comedy gold,” while a sixth commented:
“This is how I talked about football when I used to drink.”
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Aside from England’s defensive approach after taking the lead through Anthony Gordon, Messi moving to the right wing (not for the first time at this summer’s World Cup) in order to find space in the second half was the most notable and discussed tactical moment of the match.
It was from the right wing that Messi setup both of Argentina’s goals. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez even noted after the match: “Getting Messi on the wing was the key for us.”
Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur sensation Elijah Upson on a free transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Newcastle United are monitoring a potential transfer bid for Manchester United winger Amad Diallo this summer as Eddie Howe prepares to work with a new-look Magpies squad.
The North East outfit have already seen Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali leave the club and Bruno Guimaraes has emerged as a top transfer target for Premier League champions Arsenal.
Newcastle United have added Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Touré and Sean Steur to their squad but none provide the Premier League experience lost by outgoings.
The Magpies join Brighton in keeping a close eye on Diallo, who is contracted at Old Trafford until 2030, although it is currently Serie A giants AC Milan who are frontrunners for a deal.
AC Milan frontrunners for Amad Diallo transfer
CaughtOffside reports that AC Milan are prepared to test Man United’s determination to hold on to the 24-year-old. Diallo was a regular starter under Michael Carrick last term but an exit is not out of the question, with the winger scoring just two goals in 33 appearances last season.
The outlet claims that the Red Devils have little reason to push through the sale of Diallo, who is still a valued part of Carrick’s work at the club, despite his barren run in front of goal.
AC Milan are now under the stewardship of former Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim, who is said to be in the market for a ‘young and inventive winger’ to bring to the San Siro. Diallo would fit that brief.
United would only consider a sale should Diallo push for the exit, and Amorim’s close relationship with the player could help when it comes to personal terms.
Diallo was especially disappointed to see the Portuguese coach sacked last season. After Amorim was given his marching orders, the winger said: “I was a bit sad because he’s the coach who gave me more visibility and more opportunities to play for Manchester United.
“I was very sad. I even sent him a message to thank him for everything he did for me, both in my life and especially in my career.
“We had a very good relationship, almost like a father-and-son relationship. He understood me, gave me a lot of advice, and let me play freely. It’s very unfortunate, but that’s life. You have to adapt, that’s football.”
Newcastle United wingers linked with St James’ Park exit
Newcastle United have just spent £43 million on Hoffenheim winger Touré, who is a like-for-like replacement for Gordon on the left wing.
While Diallo can play off the left, the former Sunderland man is more regularly deployed on the right and would offer a different profile for Howe.
The Magpies manager currently has Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy as options on the right, with Harvey Barnes also able to play in that position.
Murphy has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Everton this summer, with Barnes a potential target for Aston Villa – although those reports came before confirmation of the £19 million UEFA fine.
Man Utd paid £37 million to sign Diallo from Atalanta in 2021 and would likely command a fee of double that to consider an unexpected summer exit.
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