Gianni Infantino was already facing pressure even before FIFA revealed plans to partially privatise the World Cup, a move that has only invited even sharper criticism.

Infantino’s position as FIFA president now appears increasingly uncertain after what has been a public relations disaster of a week.

The global governing body’s decision to announce plans to bring in private investors to help run FIFA competitions — including both World Cups — has triggered anger, ridicule and threats of boycotts from both UEFA and CONCACAF, while the AFC has also voiced its opposition to the proposal.

No one is entirely sure what happens next, but Infantino’s grip on the post appears to be under real pressure. So if he is either pushed out or faces a challenge in next year’s FIFA elections, who could emerge as possible contenders for the presidency?

UEFA president since 2016, Aleksander Ceferin has made little effort to hide what he feels about the way FIFA has functioned under Infantino.

With UEFA unveiling its Euro 2028 ticket pricing policy on the eve of the World Cup and helping organise a continent-wide threat to boycott FIFA tournaments if FFE goes ahead, Ceferin has cast himself as a possible remedy to the problems associated with Infantino.

The issue is whether he actually wants the role. Although he now appears to have softened that position, Ceferin said in 2024 that he would not stand again to remain UEFA president in 2027, explaining: "The reason is that after some time every organisation needs fresh blood, but mainly because I was away from my family for seven years now."

Or perhaps he felt the timing could be ideal for a run at the FIFA presidency?

Nasser Al-Khelaifi already carries major influence within football through his positions as PSG president, chairman of European Football Clubs (the former G-14), and head of broadcaster BeIN.

It is no surprise, then, that the influential Qatari has been mentioned as a possible candidate, given the connections he already holds across Europe and the Arab world.

That said, the Qatari government official may not represent the kind of clean break from the Infantino era that some would prefer.

More importantly, people close to him have previously denied that he is interested in standing. He may ultimately be more of a kingmaker than the clear successor — and if so, where might his support go? Well...

One outsider option from Eastern Europe is Legia Warsaw chairman Dariusz Mioduski, with talkSPORT reporting earlier this month that he has backing in several UEFA countries.

The possible problem is whether that support would also extend across the other confederations, which — quite understandably, you might say — often work on the basis of "what are you going to do for us?"

Still, having allies in the right places matters, and Mioduski may also be able to count on support from Al-Khelaifi, under whom he serves as vice-chair of EFC.

Victor Montagliani has been discussed as a possible successor to Infantino for a while — it may just happen earlier than many expected.

The Canadian became a familiar figure worldwide during the World Cup, where he was often seen among FIFA’s senior officials.

Montagliani played a major role in ensuring that tournament was staged across the three North American nations, and he has served as CONCACAF president for the past 10 years.

Confederations that may be cautious about backing a European critic of FIFA could instead be attracted to Montagliani, who is experienced in protecting the interests of federations outside the very top tier of world football. If he can also bring UEFA on side for any potential move, that may be enough to swing the balance in his favour.