Ex-Tottenham Defender Ramon Vega Announces FIFA Presidential Bid Against Infantino
Former Tottenham and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega announced his candidacy for FIFA president to challenge Gianni Infantino. Vega previously won praise in Israel for supporting released captive Emily Damari.
Ramon Vega, the former Tottenham and Switzerland national team footballer, announced on Wednesday his intention to run for the presidency of FIFA, challenging incumbent Gianni Infantino. For the Israeli public, Vega is a familiar name from last year, when he publicly expressed support for Emily Damari following her release from Hamas captivity and welcomed her back home.
"At least one positive thought today from the Spurs family! Welcome home, Emily. COYS Spurs!" Vega wrote at the time on his X account. Damari, whose mother immigrated to Israel from England and who is a devoted Tottenham fan, received numerous gestures from club supporters during her captivity calling for her release. Many Israelis thanked Vega for his warm words.
A Bid for Global Football Reform
Now, the 55-year-old Swiss former player is seeking the highest office in world football. "I am running to reunite the global football family, to bring real and long-term reform, to modernize FIFA for the 21st century, to restore stability and credibility, and to rebuild the trust that our game urgently needs," he stated in his candidacy announcement.
Vega criticized the current leadership of FIFA, adding: "Football does not belong to presidents, confederations, or executives. Football is bigger than any role, any person, and any institution. It is the people's game and it belongs to everyone: players, coaches, referees, fans, volunteers, clubs, leagues, associations, and the communities that give football its life."
"For too long, division has torn our football family apart. The current leadership has damaged the morale of the game. Poor governance has hurt FIFA's credibility and eroded trust across the global football family. We must stop this conflict before it escalates."
Past Ambitions and Career
This is not the first time Vega has attempted to enter the FIFA presidential race. He considered running back in 2015 following the suspension of Sepp Blatter, and in 2019 he announced his intention to run against Infantino, but failed to secure the backing of five out of 211 national associations—a mandatory requirement to become an official candidate.
During his playing career, Vega made 23 appearances and scored two goals for the Switzerland national team. At club level, he played for Grasshoppers, Cagliari, Tottenham, Celtic, Watford, and Creteil. He joined Tottenham in January 1997 and played for the club until 2001, winning the League Cup in the 1998/99 season.
