Ramon Vega has visited more than 140 countries in the last 10 years in pursuit of the FIFA presidency

Former Swiss footballer Ramon Vega is preparing to announce his candidacy against Gianni Infantino in FIFA's election in March 2027. Vega said that he has visited more than 140 countries over the past 10 years for this purpose and that he has covered the costs of these trips himself.

Vega has until 18 November to apply to FIFA. In his application, he will submit documents showing the 5 countries that support him and his connection to football. Vega said he is not troubled by this process and is confident he can unseat Infantino in the March election. Speaking to Reuters from Dubai, Vega emphasized his determination by citing examples from his playing career.

Vega said he has no personal grudge against Infantino, but argued that the FIFA Council's sale of the World Cup is a complete betrayal. He added that Infantino should resign if he had a little courage. Details of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, which envisages selling stakes in FIFA tournaments including the World Cup, emerged in July and angered football officials, mainly in Europe, the Americas and Asia.

Vega and Kozo Tashima, a former president of the Japan Football Association, are the only names to have announced their candidacies since Infantino declared his about a month ago. Infantino has reportedly strengthened his support in recent months and is seen as the favorite for a fourth term. However, it is reported that UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin is among Infantino's opponents and that UEFA is looking for another rival before the final application deadline.