Peter Auf der Heyde, a South African journalism lecturer at Southampton Solent University and former sports editor at Deutsche Presse-Agentur, has announced his candidacy to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency in the March 2027 election. Auf der Heyde, who once owned South African second-division club UDW FC, says he would accept a salary of just $1 per year if elected, contrasting with Infantino's reported $6m earnings last year.
To appear on the ballot, Auf der Heyde needs nominations from five football associations by the 18 November deadline. He is not alone: former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima, and former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega are also considering runs. Infantino, seeking a fourth term, claims backing from the "vast, vast majority" of world football.
"I'm not asking for countries to vote for me, I'm asking for them to nominate me," Auf der Heyde told BBC Radio Solent. He argues an uncontested election undermines accountability and transparency. His proposed $450,000 salary would only be paid after four years if he fulfills his promises.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing