CORNERFLICK
Ramon Vega has formally entered the race to replace Gianni Infantino as FIFA president, becoming the first declared challenger ahead of next March’s election.
Vega makes his move
The 55-year-old Swiss former defender played 23 times for Switzerland and also had spells with Tottenham, Celtic, Watford, Cagliari and Grasshopper Zurich. He left football in 2004 and later moved into finance.
Vega said in a statement that he is running because his life has prepared him to serve football. He added: "Football is in the emergency room and under resuscitation. We can no longer wait. FIFA needs a new direction and major reform."
Infantino faces growing pressure
Infantino is seeking a fourth term at the FIFA Congress in March, but he has faced growing resistance in recent months. UEFA and several federations have turned against him, especially after his controversial financial plan, and they say they have lost trust in him.
Vega had considered running for FIFA president in 2015, 2019 and 2022, but failed to secure the backing of at least five of FIFA's 211 member federations, the minimum needed to enter the contest. FIFA rules also require candidates to have held an active formal role in football for two of the previous five years and to pass a suitability test run by a FIFA committee.