Mattias Grafström may challenge Gianni Infantino in Fifa election
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 7:00 AM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Mattias Grafström, the general secretary of Fifa, is reportedly in discussions with senior figures in African football regarding a potential candidacy against Gianni Infantino in next year's presidential election. At least 15 African federations are reportedly considering not supporting Infantino despite the Confederation of Africa Football's executive committee reaffirming its backing for him. The conversations reflect a growing discontent in African football leadership concerning Infantino's presidency. The political within Fifa could see significant changes as the elections approach.
- •Mattias Grafström in talks about running for Fifa president
- •15 African federations willing to oppose Infantino's re-election
- •Caf's executive committee reaffirmed support for Infantino
- •Discontent among African football leaders is significant
- •Electoral dynamics may change as the election date nears
- 7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Fifa general secretary Mattias Grafström could stand against Infantino in election
"African federations sound out Swede over role ‘They think he can group all the continents’ Senior figures in African football have held talks with Fifa’s general secretary, Mattias Grafström, to sound out his interest in standing against Gianni Infantino, the Guardian can reveal. As many as 15 federations in Africa are also said to be ready to turn their backs on Infantino when he seeks re-election as Fifa president next year, despite the Confederation of Africa Football (Caf) claiming that its executive committee (exco) had “unanimously reconfirmed” its support for the under-fire 56-year-old. Continue reading...
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