Nasser Al-Khelaifi will not be the man to challenge Gianni Infantino’s FIFA presidency, despite calls from UEFA. The Paris Saint-Germainchair was viewed as a potential candidate to take up tenure with World Football, with an election landing next March.
Politico claims that senior figures saw Al-Khelaifi as the right man to upset Infantino’s plans – after the current head received significant criticism for this summer’s World Cup in North America. He has also been lambasted over plans to sell parts of FIFA’s commercial rights. However, Al Khelaifi has no interest to put his name into the proverbial hat next spring.
A source close to the 52 year old told RMC Sport: “Nasser has absolutely no ambition, no intention, nor any interest in this role at FIFA. He will continue to quietly support all global and European football institutions.”
It emerges despite vocal resistance to FIFA’s sale of commercial stakes from European Football Clubs, of which Al-Khelaifi also serves as chairman. However, insiders close to the executive, who also leads the BeIN Media Group, have rejected any speculation of him standing next year.
They also highlighted that his priorities lie elsewhere. This comes as Infantino will prove challenging to unseat at next year’s election, given the backing he is believed to enjoy from member associations throughout South America, Asia and Africa.
However, UEFA will persist in challenging FIFA as they seek a new contender for the ballot. In a statement released on Wednesday, the European governing body declared: “Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.
“This says everything you need to know about this plan. But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme.
“FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”