Nasser Al-Khelaifi has decided against running for the FIFA presidency to succeed Gianni Infantino, despite encouragement from UEFA. The Paris Saint-Germain leader was previously considered a potential contender for the upcoming election in March.
According to Politico, there were discussions among executives about Al-Khelaifi potentially replacing Infantino at the helm of FIFA due to criticism following this summer’s World Cup in North America and the organization’s commercial rights sale plans.
Nevertheless, a source close to Al-Khelaifi stated that he has no interest in pursuing the FIFA presidency role. The 52-year-old remains focused on supporting global and European football institutions without seeking a leadership position.
Despite being the chairman of European Football Clubs, which oppose FIFA’s commercial rights sale, Al-Khelaifi has no plans to run for president next year. Sources close to him, including those from BeIN Media Group, have dismissed rumors of his candidacy, highlighting his current priorities elsewhere.
Infantino is expected to retain significant support from member associations in South America, Asia, and Africa, making it challenging for any contenders to succeed him at the next election. However, UEFA continues to challenge FIFA’s decisions as they look for alternative leadership candidates.
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In a recent statement, UEFA expressed concerns about FIFA’s scheme to sell commercial stakes, emphasizing the need to prioritize the interests of associations, clubs, leagues, players, and fans over financial gains for FIFA and its associates.
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