Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has formally announced his candidacy for the FIFA Presidential election
Ramon Vega(Image: Daniel Smith/Getty Images for Soccerex)
Former Premier League star Ramon Vega has confirmed his intention to compete with Gianni Infantino for the FIFA Presidency. Vega initially revealed his plans last month to be a candidate for the election, which takes place in Rabat in March
Infantino’s future as FIFA President has been debated in recent months following the failed attempt to sell stakes in the federation’s competitions, which would have included the World Cup, Club World Cup and Women’s World Cup.
Vega, 55, spent four years with Tottenham from 1997-2001, and made 81 appearances for the club. The former defender also had a loan spell at Celtic in the 2000/01 campaign before leaving Spurs permanently to join Watford that summer.
With the FIFA Presidential election taking place in four months’ time, Vega has now officially confirmed his intention to stand against Infantino.
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“OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT I FORMALLY ANNOUNCE MY CANDIDACY FOR THE FIFA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION — 18 MARCH 2027 RABAT, MOROCCO,” Vega wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “FOOTBALL BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE — NOT TO THOSE WHO CONTROL IT.
“Football stands at a defining crossroads. The decisions we make today will shape the future of our beautiful game for generations to come.
“WE DECLARE ZERO TOLERANCE for leadership that has humiliated the passion of five billion football fans around the world and insulted the dignity, dedication and integrity of the millions of people who devote their lives to our beautiful game.
“Football belongs to its people. Their passion deserves respect, their voices deserve to be heard, and their contributions deserve recognition — never humiliation, intimidation or contempt. After more than a decade of preparation, I formally announce my candidacy for the Presidency of FIFA in 2027.
“Alongside me stands my Hungarian wife and First Lady, Claudia — a pioneer with over 25 years of experience in professional men’s football. Together, we share an unwavering commitment to restoring trust, reforming governance and reuniting the global football family.
“I bring the mentality of a player, the discipline of a defender and decades of experience from the pitch to the boardroom. I defended my team on the field. Now I am ready to defend football itself — its integrity, its people and its future.
“My candidacy is not driven by personal ambition, power or privilege. It is driven by responsibility, conviction and a profound love for the game that has given me everything.
“I AM NOT STANDING TO CONTINUE THE WAR. I AM STANDING TO END IT. No individual is greater than football. No institution should ever place itself above the game.
“This is not merely an announcement of candidacy. It is a call for fundamental change, a commitment to reconciliation and a vision for a new era of world football.
“I invite every member association, player, coach, referee and supporter across the world to read my full official presidential announcement attached below.
“Read it. Reflect on it. Challenge its ideas. Above all, join the conversation about the future of the game we all love. Ramon Vega. Candidate for the Presidency of FIFA 2027.”
Vega announcing his intention to challenge Infantino will present a fresh problem for Infantino to navigate, with the current FIFA President facing several calls to resign over the last few months. The former Tottenham defender had until November 18 to formally announce his candidacy for the election, and it remains to be seen if any other candidates will join.
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