Uefa close to selecting candidate to run against Infantino in Fifa election

By: Exclusive by Nick Ames and Matt Hughes

29 October 2026 at 21:41

Challenger’s identity could be approved by next week
Arsène Wenger not thought to have entered reckoning

Uefa and its allies are close to identifying a candidate to run against Gianni Infantino in the Fifa election and could select the challenger as early as next week.

The clock is ticking on efforts to oppose Infantino in March, with candidates required to confirm they are standing by 18 November, but there is growing confidence those attempts are nearing a successful resolution. Discussions with potential nominees have gained momentum despite recent setbacks that included a U-turn by the Asian Football Confederation president, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, who surprisingly endorsed Infantino’s push for a fourth term.

Post your questions for Charlie Nicholas

The Guardian

By: Guardian community team

29 October 2026 at 11:00

Is there anything you would like to ask the former Celtic, Arsenal and Scotland forward?

Ever wanted to ask Charlie Nicholas a question? Well, this is your chance. Whether you want to know about the season he scored 50 goals for Celtic, or the day he scored both goals as Arsenal beat Liverpool in the League Cup final, or his time on Soccer Saturday, let us know.

Nicholas was a true character. Not many footballers can say they have played for Scotland at a World Cup, been on the cover of NME, had one of their transfers announced on the stage of His Majesty’s Theatre on Hogmanay, and turned out for Clyde. Nicholas can. Drop your questions in the form below and we will put them to him.