July 2026 was a damaging month for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Following the widely criticised FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), and its subsequent withdrawal, confidence in the Swiss administrator crumbled away among the wider football community.

Unsurprisingly, it has led many to look forward. The governing body’s attempts to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors will likely have football federations and member associations thinking about potential opposing candidates, with the UK’s newly-elected Prime Minister among those calling for Infantino’s resignation.

But if the writing is on the wall for Infantino, when could a new president be elected, and how will that process unfold?

When is the Next FIFA Presidential Election?

FIFA president Gianni Infantino via REUTERS/Gareth Bumstead

FIFA presidential elections operate under a four-year cycle and take place at the FIFA Congress that follows the World Cup. The most recent FIFA Congress took place on April 30 in Vancouver, Canada, prior to the 2026 World Cup.

The next FIFA Congress, which will include the presidential election, will take place on March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. The African nation will co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain. This latest achievement for Morocco continues to build on a highly successful period, following on from its hosting of the CAF Excellence Center initiatives and another deep run at the 2026 World Cup.

Deadline for FIFA Presidential Nominations

REUTERS/Jennifer Gauthier

The election process essentially lasts one year, from one FIFA Congress to the next. Infantino is well aware of this strategic timeline, announcing his intention to stand again at the Vancouver congress earlier this year.

The deadline to submit a formal nomination for the role ahead of the 2027 Congress is November 18, 2026. The deadline normally occurs roughly four months prior to the election, allowing candidates plenty of time to convince member associations of their presidential qualities.

How do Nominations Work?

REUTERS/Paul Childs

Whilst confidence in the current president may have changed, the nomination process has not.

Two criteria must be met to qualify as a presidential candidate:

1. Firstly, candidates must acquire written support from five member associations prior to the set November 18 deadline. Crucially, member associations can only back one candidate. Securing the confidence of five member associations can build early momentum for a successful campaign, especially if they are influential nations. But, of course, a lot more support will be required to secure the presidential seat.
2. Secondly, they must be able to prove that they have “played an active role in association football” in at least two of the five years preceding their presidential candidacy. This can be, for example, a role within a member association or a FIFA committee.

Once a nomination is submitted, the candidates are subjected to mandatory integrity and ineligibility checks. These are carried out by the independent FIFA Review Committee. Once approved by the Review Committee, the presidential candidates are announced by FIFA. This signals their eligibility to stand for election at the next FIFA Congress.

Tottenham have been linked with a move to sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson in the summer transfer window, and reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has provided an update on the situation.

Reports emerged on Tuesday lunchtime that Tottenham were one of the sides showing an interest in signing Jackson during the summer.

Spurs are likely to be in the market for attack and reinforcements after seemingly solving their defensive and midfield issues.

The report claims that Tottenham are among a number of clubs interested in signing Jackson, with Chelsea valuing him at around £65 million.

The Senegalese international spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, and Chelsea could look to cash in on him, given the number of players they have in the squad.

Jackson to Tottenham update

According to journalist Gold, Tottenham are not expected to explore a move for Chelsea striker Jackson in the summer transfer window.

That’s not to say Tottenham don’t have an interest in Jackson, but it feels unlikely that he’s going to be a target for them in the current window.

Spurs might be put off by his £65 million price tag, while Chelsea might not be looking to sell to a London rival.

Jackson might not be the man, but Tottenham are likely to enter the market for a striker this summer.

Tottenham need new centre-forward

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Tottenham prioritise the signing of a new striker in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.

Dominic Solanke was brought to the club to be their main centre-forward option, but he has struggled with consistency and injuries since arriving in North London.

Richarlison has been Tottenham’s most consistent option through the centre of attack, but he has also suffered with injury problems and is being linked with a move away from the club.

Tottenham need to bring in that long-term number nine to help guide them in the right direction. Spurs need their new Harry Kane once again.

One of the biggest appeals of Apple TV’s beloved soccer comedy series Ted Lasso is its collection of kooky football personalities. And for audiences watching at home, perhaps some of that subconscious fondness stems from the familiarities between the fictional players and the real ones they are aping.

That is a big part of the show’s success: the fact that it is rooted in the reality of professional football. Drawing from the tales and personas of real players, the show’s creators have developed authentic characters with flaws and motivations that match those of real football stars.

The show is set to return for a fourth season, with Richmond AFC developing a women’s team. Whether this blend of reality and fiction continues is hard to say, but fans can revisit some of the show’s most popular characters and their real-life inspirations ahead of the show’s return.

Roy Kent – Roy Keane

Roy Keane via Reuters: Action Images / Jason Cairnduff

Brett Goldstein portrays the grizzled veteran who retires at the end of season one. Frank and to the point, and very similar in name, many fans have made the link to former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

The tough midfielder-turned-pundit was highly competitive and assertive on the pitch, clashing with a fair few opponents off the ball over the years. In that sense, Keane and Kent are very similar. Kent later takes on a coaching role at Richmond, staying on at the club after Lasso’s departure in season three. Despite a difficult start to the relationship, Kent does warm up to the titular character eventually.

Zava – Zlatan Ibrahimović

REUTERS/Daniele Mascolo

Another character whose name is a bit of a giveaway. First appearing in season three, Zava briefly becomes Richmond’s new star forward. Maximilian Osinski, who portrays Zava, confirmed the connection to the legendary Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but he also revealed that Zava is a composite of several revered European strikers.

On top of Zlatan, Osinski noted that Eric Cantona and Robert Lewandowski were also inspirations for his character. But overall, Zlatan was the biggest influence on Zava. Osinski revealed that he prepared for the role by watching documentaries based on Ibrahimović’s career, as well as reading his autobiography.

Jamie Tartt – Jack Grealish/DavidBeckham/Cristiano Ronaldo

REUTERS/David Klein

Jamie Tartt, portrayed by Phil Dunster, is another composite character. Joining Richmond on loan from Manchester City in season one, fans began to narrow Tartt down to a few famous players with Manchester connections. Tartt’s fondness for the limelight instantly saw him compared to Manchester United greats David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, especially with Tartt being described as one of the greatest players of his generation.

When Tartt returns to his parent club, his spiky hairstyle is a clear nod to CR7. But his later adoption of a side-shaved, slick back hair-do, complete with an Alice band, has seen him compared with Manchester City star Jack Grealish.

Dani Rojas – Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez

Apple TV

The joyful, energetic Dani Rojas matched up well with the enthusiasm of Richmond coach Ted Lasso. Hailing from Guadalajara, Mexico, Rojas’ mantra, “Football is life”, has endeared him to the show’s fans. And more than a few fans have pointed out how Rojas’ personality and backstory mirrors former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez.

Also born in Guadalajara, like Rojas, Chicharito earned a dream Premier League move to Manchester United in 2010. His passion and perseverance also earned him cult status with the Old Trafford faithful. In early 2026, Rojas signed his first professional contract with ULS Championship side El Paso Locomotive. Interestingly, Chicharito, has now signed for fellow ULS side Atlético Dallas, meaning that the two could share a pitch at some point during the season.

Ted Lasso – Donnie Campbell/Mike Ditka/Jürgen Klopp

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Whilst there are a number of successful football managers lurking in the DNA of Ted Lasso, Jason Sudeikis has name checked a number of key figures and coaches from his life that have influenced his portrayal of the show’s main character.

Lasso’s kind and empathetic coaching philosophy has earned comparisons to Jürgen Klopp, but his adversary Pep Guardiola has also been mentioned as another inspiration. Sudeikis has also drafted in elements of famed basketball coaches John Wooden, Bill Self, and Steve Kerr, as well as the famously outspoken Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Ditka.

Chief among the influences from close to home are his father, Daniel Joseph Sudeikis, who provided the inspiration for Lasso’s trademark mustache. But the most impactful of all was Sudeikis’ high school basketball coach, Donnie Campbell. The American actor mimicked Campbell’s friendly personality, as well as his penchant for catchphrases.

“He was a fella from a small town in Kansas who spoke in those aphorisms, like, ‘Sudeikis, you look more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs,'” Sudeikis told Today when quizzed about his popular character.