Nasser Al-Khelaïfi—president of Paris Saint-Germain and the ECA (European Club Association)—spoke to the press in Copenhagen on the sidelines of the latter organization’s general assembly. He was asked about the FIFA presidency, addressing both the controversies surrounding Gianni Infantino and the possibility of replacing him. The Ballon d’Or was also a topic of discussion.
Al-Khelaïfi: “FIFA is not for me.”
Taking on the role of FIFA president?
“I have absolutely no interest in FIFA, no ambition to hold a position there,” asserts the 52-year-old Qatari executive. “I don’t think I’m the right person for the job, and in reality, I have no desire to go there. I enjoy what I’m doing and I’m having a good time. We want to keep building positive projects together. FIFA is not for me.”
Al-Khelaïfi: “Instead of improving our sport, we are wasting our time dealing with problems and difficulties.”
Infantino’s presidency?
“It is truly sad to see the current situation. Instead of improving our sport, we are wasting our time dealing with problems and difficulties. Football works when we listen to one another. When we are transparent with each other. But above all, when we are honest.” And whatever our differences, football is bigger than all of us and matters more than any single one of us.”
After rumors circulated—suggesting primarily that Al-Khelaïfi did not want the job—he responded as clearly as possible. He does not want the FIFA presidency, as he is happy in his current role. Consequently, another option will have to be found to challenge Infantino.
Infantino himself has, quite understandably, faced significant scrutiny of late. The major challenge lies in finding a successor who can help move things forward with a sense of unity. It is commendable that the PSG president has avoided adding fuel to the fire of controversy and criticism, focusing instead on the need to move forward. That said, he did take a few digs at Infantino’s methods. It remains to be seen who might take the reins of football.
On a lighter note—and given that it is the hot topic of the moment—Al-Khelaïfi was also asked who he favors to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or.
Al-Khelaïfi: “We have three: Dembélé, Kvara, and also Fabián Ruiz”
“You’re going to get me into trouble with other clubs. I have great respect for all players, like Kylian (Mbappé) or Yamal. They are exceptional players. I know Kylian very well, of course. He is an incredible, talented player, and certainly one of the best in the world.
I would naturally choose one of my own players. We have three: Dembélé, Kvara, and also Fabián Ruiz. Fabián Ruiz is the only one who has won every trophy. So, I think Dembélé, Kvara, and Fabián Ruiz deserve it, because they’ve won everything. I think they played very well; they were fantastic.”
Although he tried to avoid the trap, the PSG president ultimately expressed a clear preference. That makes sense, even though he was attending in his capacity as an ECA official. In any case, it is fair to acknowledge that the Parisian candidates are strong contenders. Each has a compelling case, though the fact that they are from the same club could split the vote against their major rivals. We look forward to the results—and the ensuing days of debate—so we can then focus on the team trophies still up for grabs.
