Former Spurs star emerges out of nowhere to challenge Gianni Infantino for FIFA presidency
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has launched a challenge to under-pressure Gianni Infantino's FIFA presidency.
Infantino is standing for re-election at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat next March, despite facing significant scrutiny over his position in the wake of his attempts to sell part of the World Cup to a private investment group.
The plans were ultimately scrapped after major opposition from national associations, with UEFA even threatening to boycott FIFA competitions at one stage. That threat was lifted ahead of the Women's U20 World Cup in September, but it proved the strength of opposition towards Infantino's position.
Now, a new challenger has emerged just months out from the 77th FIFA Congress.
Ex-Spurs defender Ramon Vega launches leadership plan
Vega is attempting to run for FIFA President for the first time, though did announce plans to challenge Sepp Blatter in October 2015 before ultimately deciding against it.
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This time around, the 55-year-old has launched his candidacy via a scathing statement directed at FIFA's current leadership under Infantino.
"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 in a statement.
"Football does not belong to presidents, confederations or adminstrators. 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.
"It belongs to every child discovering the game, every professional carrying the hopes of a nation, and the billions of supporters whose passion makes football the world's game. Football must always come first."
He revealed a 11-page manifesto to reform FIFA's governance as part of his announcement, stating: "Football is in the emergency room, on life support. We cannot wait any longer. FIFA needs a new direction and fundamental reform."
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Who is Ramon Vega?
Vega would make history as the first FIFA president to have played professional football if he indeed stands - and wins - the election against Infantino.
A Swiss international with 23 caps to his name, Vega spent six years with local club Grasshoppers before joining Serie A side Cagliari in 1996.
He subsequently had a five-year stint at Spurs, making 64 appearances and scoring seven goals in all competitions. He started the 1999 League Cup final, which Spurs won for what would be their final trophy for another 10 years.
Vega joined Celtic on loan at the end of 2000 and also had a brief spell with Watford in the First Division.
He moved into business following his retirement and staged an unsuccessful attempt to take over Portsmouth, then of the Premier League, in 2009.
Pompey owner Alexandre Gaydamak claimed that Vega had been 'consistently unable to demonstrate an ability to secure financing for his proposal', which led to the existing board rejecting the deal.
As mentioned, he considered challenging Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency in 2015 but decided not to proceed. Following his announcement on Wednesday night, Blatter posted to X (Twitter): "An interesting candidate with a diverse background. Good luck, Ramon."
Topics: Gianni Infantino, FIFA, Tottenham Hotspur
Ryan Smart