Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has emerged as a key figure in discussions among senior European football officials as a potential challenger to FIFA president Gianni Infantino as FIFA faces growing opposition to its controversial proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights, according to multiple reports.The discussions come as European football authorities step up resistance to Infantino’s plans to set up a new commercial company that would oversee FIFA competitions while allowing outside investors to acquire a 20% minority non-controlling stake in the company.Although Al-Khelaifi is considered one of the most influential figures capable of mounting a challenge, his representatives insist he has no interest in seeking FIFA’s top job.
European officials begin discussing possible challengers
According to that Politicoconversations among top European football officials about identifying potential challengers to Infantino began at last month’s game fifa world cup And it accelerated after fierce opposition to a proposed commercial restructuring by FIFA.Three senior international football officials spoke anonymously Politicosaid Al-Khelaifi has emerged as an important candidate ahead of the next FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi celebrates after the Champions League semi-final second leg football match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Infantino has led FIFA since 2016, winning every presidential election unopposed and announced at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in April that he intended to seek another four-year term, extending his term as president until 2031.An EU official closely following FIFA’s proposal said Politico: “The stars have aligned.”“Whether he comes forward is another matter,” the official added.
Al-Khelaifi rejected the advice he wanted FIFA President
Al-Khelaifi has publicly denied suggestions he intends to challenge Infantino despite growing speculation.Representatives of Qatari executives told Politico:“Nasser has absolutely no ambitions, no intentions, no interest in a FIFA role and he will continue to discreetly support all institutions of world and European football.”
EFC President Nasser Al-Khelaifi speaks during the 32nd European Football Club Congress on Thursday, October 9, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Fabrizio Corradetti/LaPresse via AP)
Al-Khelaifi currently holds several of the most influential positions in football management.In addition to his role as chairman of Paris Saint-Germain, he chairs Qatar Sports Investments and BeIN Media Group, leads the European Football Club Organization, serves on the UEFA Executive Committee and is a member of the FIFA Council.His influence in European football has grown significantly in 2021, helping to stabilize the European Club Association after attempts to break away from the European Super League project threatened to undermine the continent’s football structure.
FIFA investment proposal sparks growing opposition
FIFA’s leadership is under renewed focus following the governing body’s proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial subsidiary that will manage the commercial rights for FIFA competitions, including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing, licensing and related business operations.Under the proposal, FIFA would retain a majority stake while offering outside investors a minority non-controlling stake of up to 20% in the business, valuing the business at about $20 billion.
FILE – FIFA President Gianni Infantino watches an international friendly match between Iran and Costa Rica in Antalya, southern Turkey, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Riza Ozel, File)
FIFA will partner with JPMorgan Chase and the investment is expected to raise approximately $4.2 billion. 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 U.S. President Donald Trump. Needless to say, the Kushner family’s involvement will only intensify scrutiny of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s relationship with Trump, which has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months.To gain support from its 211 member associations, FIFA has combined the proposal with a significant increase in development funding.If the proposal is approved by a majority before the Sept. 19 voting deadline, each association will be eligible to receive up to $40 million in funding.Infantino described the proposal as an effort to “democratize global football”, arguing it would significantly increase financial support for national associations while allowing FIFA to retain control over governance and sporting decisions.
UEFA remains firmly opposed to
Still, the proposal sparked one of the strongest public disagreements between FIFA and European football authorities in recent years.UEFA issued multiple statements criticizing the plan, saying it “crosses a line that football’s governing body should never cross” and warning that “the soul and governance of football are not assets that can be traded”.
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend a reception at Trump Tower on Friday, July 17, 2026, in New York City. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The governing body also held an emergency meeting involving 55 national associations to develop a unified response.Reports suggest that if the proposal goes ahead in its current form, potential options discussed include boycotting the FIFA World Cup in the future.The Football Association also expressed concern about the lack of consultation and transparency before the proposals were announced.
European football clubs criticize lack of consultation
European Football Club (EFC), chaired by Al-Khelaifi, also issued a strongly worded statement criticizing FIFA’s handling of the proposal.“European Football Club (EFC) is seriously concerned about the sudden and unilateral media briefing and announcement by FIFA regarding a potential new corporate structure for the commercialization of certain football competitions,” the statement said.The organization said that despite representing more than 850 players in FIFA competitions, the club learned through media reports that the proposal was inappropriate.The statement continued: “As a body representing more than 850 football clubs, whose member clubs, players and communities are fundamental players in global football and in particular FIFA competitions, including all international club competitions, it is entirely appropriate that the EFC be fully consulted on such a significant proposal.”“EFC, like most global football stakeholders, learned about the proposal through the media without warning.”The organization urged FIFA to hold wider consultations before taking action.“EFC always seeks to work with and provide support to all stakeholders – FIFA, UEFA and all federations, national associations, leagues, players and fans associations.“In this spirit, we urge calm and thorough consultation on all topics affecting the football ecosystem, and the development of more rigorous and transparent governance processes to protect the sport in the long term.“Only then can we build the right institutional framework and relationships needed to promote football’s true success, stability and sustainability.”
Leadership debate intensifies ahead of 2027 election
Although Al-Khelaifi has publicly ruled out withdrawing from the race, reports suggest top figures in European football have begun discussing possible alternatives to Infantino as opposition to FIFA’s proposed commercial restructuring grows.With member associations due to vote on World Cup investment proposals in September, and the next FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027, the debate over the future governance of world football is increasingly intertwined with the question of who should lead the sport’s governing body in the coming years.
