Ex-Tottenham defender Ramon Vega is planning to run against Gianni Infantino to be the next president of FIFA.

The 55-year-old was an established member of the Swiss national team and spent four years at White Hart Lane, representing Spurs between 1997 and 2001. He retired in 2023 and transitioned into private equity.

And he has not become the first man to confirm his intent to run against the beleaguered Infantino for the FIFA presidency.

The incumbent has already confirmed his intent to run for a fourth term in the role despite coming in for intense criticism in recent months after it was revealed he had attempted to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors.

The plans were abandoned after severe public backlash, but a number of FIFA’s member federations, including UEFA, have formally expressed their lack of confidence in Infantino as a result.

And Vega has now confirmed he intends to stand against him, saying in a statement: “I am standing because my life has prepared me to serve the game.

“I stand before the global football family with humility, determination and a profound sense of responsibility.

“Football does not belong to presidents, confederations or administrators. Football is greater than any position, any individual or any institution.

“Football is in the emergency room, on life support. We cannot wait any longer. FIFA needs a new direction and fundamental reform.”

Football association presidents and general secretaries from across Europe are gathering in Berlin ahead of a UEFA Top Executive Programme (TEP) meeting on Thursday, where the topic of FIFA and its governance will be on the morning agenda.

A number of European associations – including those of England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales – have withdrawn their support for Infantino following the emergence of the plan to seek private investment in a commercial vehicle to run the World Cup.

There is also deep discontent around the handling of the Folarin Balogun case at the World Cup, while it has been reported this week that the FIFA administration ignored the advice of its own lawyers and allowed DR Congo to play in an intercontinental play-off despite goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi being ineligible. FIFA has so far not responded to a request to comment regarding that matter.

The Press Association understands UEFA remains committed to identifying a credible alternative candidate to run against Infantino, but that it is unlikely any individual will be settled on at Thursday’s meeting. The deadline for candidates to be submitted is November 18.

Additional reporting: Press Association