Victor Montagliani has told Concacaf staff he intends to stand for re-election as the confederation’s president next year, which will rule him out of going up against Gianni Infantino for the top job at Fifa. The Canadian businessman is understood to have relayed the message to most of the 41 members of Concacaf, the North and Central American and Caribbean confederation.
Montagliani has been widely touted as a potential candidate to take on Infantino for the Fifa presidency, particularly among Uefa member associations, who are conscious a European candidate would have no chance of beating Infantino in a ballot of Fifa’s 211 members. At a town hall meeting of Concacaf staff late last month, however, Montagliani is understood to have said that despite the Fifa governance crisis and calls for him to stand, he wants to continue serving members in the region.
Montagliani’s Re-election Bid and Its Implications
Concacaf’s presidential election will take place in the first quarter of next year before the Fifa vote on 18 March in Rabat, with the similar timelines leading Montagliani to clarify his intentions to staff. The 61-year-old was elected president on a reforming mandate 10 years ago after the corruption scandal that culminated in the arrest of then Concacaf president, Jeffrey Webb, after an FBI investigation. Webb admitted he had taken “bribes and kickbacks”.
Uefa will also hold presidential elections next year, with Aleksander Čeferin expected to stand again. The decisions of both Montagliani and Čeferin will shape the landscape of football governance for years to come.
Why Montagliani’s Decision Matters
Montagliani’s decision to seek re-election rather than challenge Infantino leaves the Fifa presidency race without a prominent challenger from the Concacaf region. This could further consolidate Infantino’s power, as he seeks a third term. The move also highlights the challenges faced by those seeking to reform Fifa from within, as Montagliani opts to focus on regional leadership.
For Concacaf, Montagliani’s continued leadership promises stability and a continuation of his reform agenda, which has aimed to restore trust in the confederation after the corruption scandal. His re-election would likely be welcomed by member associations who value his experience and commitment to the region.
Comparison of Leadership Tenures
| Leader | Position | Tenure Start | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victor Montagliani | Concacaf President | 2016 | Reform mandate, anti-corruption measures |
| Gianni Infantino | Fifa President | 2016 | Expanded World Cup, increased revenues |
| Aleksander Čeferin | Uefa President | 2016 | Champions League reforms, financial fair play |
Key Takeaways
- Montagliani will seek re-election as Concacaf president, ruling out a Fifa presidency run.
- His decision leaves Gianni Infantino without a major challenger from Concacaf.
- Concacaf elections will occur in Q1 next year, before the Fifa vote on 18 March.
- Montagliani’s reform agenda continues to shape Concacaf’s governance.
FAQ
Why did Victor Montagliani decide not to run for Fifa president?
Montagliani wants to continue serving Concacaf members and focus on regional development, despite calls for him to challenge Infantino.
When is the Concacaf presidential election?
The election will take place in the first quarter of next year, before the Fifa presidential vote on 18 March.
What impact does Montagliani’s decision have on Fifa?
It leaves Gianni Infantino without a prominent challenger from Concacaf, potentially easing his path to re-election.