At a recent gathering in Rabat, UEFA vice‑president Laura McAllister outlined what she sees as the essential qualities for the next president of FIFA. She argued that any successor must act as a custodian of the sport, someone capable of uniting the world’s football community rather than representing narrow interests.
FIFA has reaffirmed its confidence in incumbent Gianni Infantino following a series of meetings in the Moroccan capital, while also issuing an apology for missteps in the recent World Cup investment plan. The governing body has pledged to scrutinise its governance processes as it prepares for the 2027 election.
The controversy surrounding Infantino’s aborted plan to create a commercial subsidiary and sell stakes in World Cup revenues has intensified calls for structural change. McAllister warned that without decisive reform, the sport risks remaining under the control of a few individuals rather than being democratically administered.
A Vision for Global Unity
In her view, the leadership transition should prioritise restoring football’s core values, ensuring the game remains accessible at every level, from the streets of the poorest nations to the grandest stadiums. She stressed that the sport must serve its universal purpose, transcending politics and commerce.
McAllister emphasized that any credible challenger will need the backing of the entire football family, not just European federations, and that the path to a new president will be shaped by a collective desire to modernise the sport’s administration.