Gianni Infantino suffers blow as European officials identify candidate to rival him for FIFA presidency

Gianni Infantino has suffered a blow in his quest to remain FIFA president after European officials identified their top candidate to rival him.

Infantino has caused an almighty stir after plans to sell shares in the FIFA's commercial and events operations, including the World Cup, emerged.

After reports circulated from reputable news outlets, FIFA confirmed they were planning to "invite third parties to make minority, non-controlling investments" in a new subsidiary - Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE).

The subsidiary could be worth around £15 billion, with Thrive Eternal - an American venture capital company founded by the brother of Donald Trump's son in-law Joshua Kushner - set to lead the private investment process.

Infantino said the move is "about the democratisation of football worldwide" and promises FIFA’s 211 member associations up to £30.1 million should they agree to the controversial proposal before a new deadline.

READ MORE: Gianni Infantino fires warning shot to England and other nations amid World Cup boycott rumours

Should they fail to sign up in the 53-day period, Infantino has told the associations their funding package will drop to £2 billion.

UEFA have posted multiple strong statements opposing the plans and there are suggestions that they could boycott the World Cup if the changes take place.

It's now emerged that European football chiefs believe PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi could be the man to usurp Infantino in football's top position.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi responds to talk of challenging Gianni Infantino

Al-Khelaifi is the chairman of Qatar Sports Investment and BeIN Media Group but he is also head of the European Club Association, as well as holding positions on the UEFA Executive Committee and FIFA Council.

According to Politico, European football officials see Al-Khelaifi as a top contender to replace Infantino, who is looking for a third full term in March 2027 when the next FIFA presidential election takes place.

The Swiss has run FIFA unopposed since 2016 and hopes to be in the role until 2031.

However, Qatari businessman Al-Khelaifi would appear to be a major threat and conversations are understood to have taken place.

One European Union official told Politico that "the stars have aligned" but acknowledged "whether he steps up is another thing".

However, a representative for

On Wednesday evening, a representative for Al-Khelaifi told the outlet he has :no ambition, no intention, no interest" in the position.

In response to Infantino and FIFA's much-maligned plans, the EFC which Al-Khelaifi leads issued a damning response and expressed disbelief over the lack of communication.

A statement read: "European Football Clubs (EFC) notes with serious concern the sudden, unilateral media briefings and announcement by FIFA about a potential new corporate structure for the commercialisation of certain football competitions.

"As an institution that represents over 850 football clubs – whose member clubs, their players and communities are fundamental participants in football worldwide, not least in FIFA's competitions including all the international club competitions – it would be wholly appropriate for EFC to be fully consulted on a proposal of such magnitude. EFC learned about this proposal in the same way as most global football stakeholders – without warning and through the media.

"EFC always seeks to work collaboratively and supportively with all stakeholders – FIFA, UEFA and all confederations, national associations, leagues, player and fan associations. In that vein, we urge for calm and thorough consultation on all topics affecting the football ecosystem, together with more rigorous and transparent governance processes put in place to protect the game for the long term. Only in this way can we build the right institutional frameworks and relationships required to promote the true success, stability and sustainability of football."