University lecturer Peter Auf der Heyde is launching an ambitious attempt to take on Gianni Infantino for the presidency of Fifa. The former journalist and football club owner is seeking the necessary nominations to challenge the incumbent leader, pledging to accept a salary of just $1 per year if he wins the election.
Challenging the Incumbent
South African-born Auf der Heyde lectures in journalism at Southampton Solent University and previously worked as sports editor for the German news agency dpa. His background in the sport includes serving as president of the Grahamstown Soccer Association in South Africa and owning and managing the second-division team UDW FC during the early 1990s. Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Auf der Heyde stated that elections should never go uncontested and that challenging Infantino is vital for transparency and accountability.
To secure a spot on the ballot for the March 2027 election, Auf der Heyde must receive formal nominations from five national football associations. He clarified that he is currently asking countries only for nominations rather than votes, noting that official candidate status allows contenders to ask questions that are otherwise impossible to raise. Other potential challengers include former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Japan Football Association honorary president Kozo Tashima, and former Tottenham Hotspur and Switzerland defender Ramon Vega. Infantino, who is aiming for a fourth and final term, has dismissed resignation questions and asserted that he retains the support of the vast majority of world football. Candidates must confirm their intention to stand by November 18.
Manifesto and Financial Proposals
Regarding executive compensation, Auf der Heyde criticized Infantino’s earnings of approximately $6 million last year as excessive, suggesting $450,000 is a more than adequate salary. Under his personal proposal, he would take just $1 annually, with the remaining funds payable after four years only if he fulfilled his campaign promises. As reported by BBC Sport, Auf der Heyde has already written to all 211 Fifa member associations, receiving responses from the English and Jamaican football associations.
His electoral manifesto is divided into three sections, highlighted by a proposal for a new global tournament dedicated to smaller football nations. With 163 countries missing out on the men’s World Cup finals alongside the 48 participating teams, Auf der Heyde envisions an “emerging nations World Cup.” He explained that countries like Andorra, San Marino, and Eswatini would finally have an opportunity to compete in a global event, with the possibility that winning teams could advance further toward the main World Cup.
