Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has emerged as the main figure discussed by senior European soccer officials as a potential challenger to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, according to multiple reports, as opposition continues to grow over FIFA’s controversial proposal to sell packages in World Cup commercial rights.The talks come as European football authorities step up their resistance to Infantino’s plan to set up a new commercial company that would oversee FIFA’s competitions while allowing outside investors to acquire a 20% minority stake, without controlling the business.Although Al-Khelaifi has been identified as one of the most influential figures capable of mounting a challenge, his representatives have insisted that he has no interest in seeking FIFA’s highest office.
European officials are beginning to discuss possible challengers
According to politicianTalks between senior European football officials to identify a potential challenger to Infantino began last month FIFA World Cup and they then accelerated the reaction against the commercial restructuring proposed by FIFA.Three senior international football officials, speaking anonymously politiciansaid that Al-Khelaifi appeared as a serious candidate ahead of the next FIFA presidential election, scheduled for March 2027.
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi celebrates after the Champions League semifinal between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Infantino has led FIFA since 2016, winning every presidential election unopposed, and announced during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in April that he intends to seek another four-year term, which would extend his presidency until 2031.A European Union official closely monitoring FIFA’s proposal said politician: “The stars have aligned.”The official added: “Whether it fits is another matter.”
Al-Khelaifi rejects the suggestions that he wants FIFA presidency
Despite growing speculation, Al-Khelaifi has publicly dismissed suggestions that he intends to challenge Infantino.A representative of the Qatari executive said politician: :“Nasser has absolutely no ambition, no intention, no interest in the role of FIFA, and will continue to discreetly support all the institutions of world and European football.”
EFC President Nasser Al-Khelaifi speaks during the 32nd General Assembly of European Football Clubs in Rome, Italy, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. (Fabrizio Corradetti/LaPresse via AP)
Al-Khelaifi currently holds many of the most influential positions in football administration.In addition to serving as chairman of Paris Saint-Germain, chairman of Qatar Sports Investments and beIN Media Group, he heads the organization of European Football Clubs, sits on the UEFA Executive Committee and is also a member of the FIFA Council.His influence in European football increased significantly in 2021 when he helped stabilize the European Club Association after the European Super League project threatened to fracture the continent’s football structure.
FIFA’s investment proposal has sparked growing opposition
The renewed focus on FIFA leadership follows the governing body’s proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial subsidiary that manages the commercial rights to FIFA competitions, including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing, licensing and business operations.Under the proposal, FIFA would retain majority ownership while offering up to a 20% minority, non-controlling stake in the company to outside investors, valuing the business at around $20 billion.
FILE – FIFA President Gianni Infantino watches an international friendly soccer match between Iran and Costa Rica in Antalya, southern Turkey, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Riza Ozel, File)
The investment is expected to raise around $4.2 billion, with FIFA working with JPMorgan on the deal. The lead investor is expected to be Thrive Eternal, a fund launched by Thrive Capital founder Josh Kushner, whose brother Jared Kushner is the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Needless to say, the involvement of the Kushner family has only intensified the scrutiny of FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s close relationship with Trump, which has drawn increasing attention in recent months.To ensure the support of its 211 member associations, FIFA accompanied the proposal with a substantial increase in development funding.The associations will become eligible for up to $40 million each if the proposal receives majority approval before the September 19 voting date.Infantino described the proposal as an effort to achieve the “democratization of football worldwide”, arguing that it would significantly increase financial support for national associations and allow FIFA to maintain control over governance and sporting decisions.
European football bodies remain firmly opposed
The proposal also sparked one of the sharpest public disagreements between FIFA and European football authorities in recent years.UEFA released several statements criticizing the plan, describing it as a step that “crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross” and warning that “the soul and governance of football are not good for trading”.
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The governing body also convened an emergency meeting involving its 55 national associations to establish a unified response.Reports suggest that potential options discussed include a future boycott of the FIFA World Cup if the proposal proceeds in its current form.The Football Association also expressed concern about what it described as the absence of consultation and transparency before the proposal was announced.
European football clubs criticize the lack of consultation
The European Football Clubs (EFC), the organization chaired by Al-Khelaifi, also issued a strongly worded statement criticizing FIFA’s handling of the proposal.“The European Football Clubs (EFC) notes with serious concern the unilateral press information and the announcement by FIFA about a potential new corporate structure for the marketing of certain football competitions,” he said. statement said.The organization said it was inappropriate that the clubs learned about the proposal through media reports despite representing more than 850 clubs whose players participate in FIFA competitions.“As an institution representing more than 850 football clubs – whose member clubs, their players and communities are fundamental participants in football worldwide, not least in FIFA competitions, including all international club competitions – it would be entirely appropriate for EFC to be fully consulted on a proposal of such magnitude,” the statement continued.“The EFC learned about this proposal in the same way as most players in world football – without warning and through the media.”The organization urged FIFA to hold a wider consultation before moving forward.“The EFC always seeks to work collaboratively and supportively with all stakeholders – FIFA, UEFA and all confederations, national associations, leagues, players’ and fans’ associations.“In this vein, we urge calm and thorough consultation on all issues affecting the football ecosystem, along with more rigorous and transparent governance processes put in place to protect the game in the long term.“Only in this way can we build the right institutional frameworks and the relationships necessary to promote the true success, stability and sustainability of football.”
The leadership debate is intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections
While Al-Khelaifi has ruled himself out of the running, reports suggest senior figures in European football have already begun discussing possible alternatives to Infantino as opposition to FIFA’s proposed business restructuring continues to grow.With member associations due to vote on the investment proposal in the World Cup in September and the next FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027, the debate on the future governance of world football has become increasingly intertwined with questions about who should lead the sport’s governing body in the coming years.