JUST IN: Ex-Spurs defender Ramon Vega to run against Infantino for FIFA presidential

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has confirmed his intention to run for FIFA president next year, setting himself up as the first declared challenger to incumbent Gianni Infantino.

Vega, 55, wants to challenge for football’s top administrative position after previously considering bids for the presidency in 2015 and 2019.

The former Switzerland international says his campaign will focus on reforming FIFA, restoring trust and bringing together a football community he believes has become increasingly divided.

Vega promises reform at FIFA

“I am standing to reunite the global football family, deliver genuine and lasting reform, modernise FIFA for the 21st Century, restore stability and credibility, and rebuild the trust that our game urgently needs,” Vega said.

The former centre-back played for Tottenham, Celtic and Watford before retiring from football in 2004 and moving into finance.

Vega’s announcement comes as Infantino faces criticism over his leadership. The FIFA president has remained in his position despite calls from several confederations for him to step down.

Infantino said last month that he remained “fully committed to leading Fifa”.

Vega, however, believes football’s governing body requires a significant change in direction.

“I am standing because my life has prepared me to serve the game,” he said.

“Football does not belong to presidents, confederations or administrators. Football is greater than any position, any individual or any institution.”

Former Spurs defender gets another chance

Vega previously explored a presidential campaign in 2015 following Sepp Blatter’s suspension.

He also announced four years later that he would challenge Infantino, but failed to secure the required support from five of FIFA’s 211 member associations to appear on the ballot.

This time, Vega is again positioning himself as a reform candidate, arguing that football’s administrators must put the interests of those involved in the sport ahead of internal disputes.

“The current leadership has demoralised the game. Weak governance has damaged FIFA’s credibility and eroded trust across the global football family. We must stop this conflict from escalating,” he said.

Vega also called for greater focus on players, coaches, referees and supporters.

“Ego-driven battles within football administration must never be allowed to damage those who matter most,” he added. “They are not responsible for these conflicts. They deserve better.”

The former Switzerland defender ended his announcement with a stark assessment of FIFA’s current direction.

“Football is in the emergency room, on life support. We cannot wait any longer. FIFA needs a new direction and fundamental reform.”

Vega now faces the task of securing enough support to turn his latest presidential ambition into an official candidacy, having fallen short during his previous attempt.