Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has announced his intention to contest the FIFA presidential election against incumbent Gianni Infantino.
The 55-year-old Swiss former international is the first candidate to publicly declare his intention to challenge Infantino in the election scheduled for next year.
Vega, who also played for Celtic and Watford, retired from football in 2004 and later moved into finance.
He said his decision to contest was aimed at reforming FIFA and rebuilding confidence in the organisation.
“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.
Infantino has previously said he remains committed to leading FIFA despite calls from Uefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation for him to step down.
Vega had considered contesting the FIFA presidency in 2015 following the suspension of former president Sepp Blatter.
He also announced in 2019 that he would challenge Infantino but failed to secure the required backing of five of FIFA’s 211 member associations to qualify for the ballot.
Explaining his latest decision, Vega said his experience had prepared him for the role.
“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.
“It is the people’s game and belongs to everyone: the players, coaches, referees, supporters, volunteers, clubs, leagues, associations and communities that give football its life.”
Vega said football administration should prioritise the interests of players, coaches, referees and supporters rather than internal disputes.
“Football must always come first. Yet for too long, division has fractured our football family,” he said.
“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.
“Ego-driven battles within football administration must never be allowed to damage those who matter most: the players, coaches, referees and supporters around the world. They are not responsible for these conflicts. They deserve better.”
Vega said FIFA required significant changes to its governance.
“Football is in the emergency room, on life support. We cannot wait any longer. Fifa needs a new direction and fundamental reform,” he said.
“We must reunite the football family, restore trust, bring stability and modernise Fifa’s governance. This requires decisive change – not cosmetic adjustments.”
