Peter Auf der Heyde, Gianni Infantino and FIFA
10 November 2026
South African university lecturer Peter Auf der Heyde is seeking nominations to challenge Gianni Infantino in FIFA’s March 2027 presidential election. The former journalist and club owner has written to all 211 member associations but has not yet qualified for the ballot.
Auf der Heyde needs support from five football associations to stand. He proposes an emerging nations World Cup and says he would initially accept a one-dollar annual salary. His campaign joins a widening field of prospective challengers amid scrutiny of FIFA governance.
Why It Matters
The nomination campaign introduces a specific proposal for smaller football nations and another potential alternative to Infantino.