International Football
FIFA ELECTION: INFANTINO’S WOULD BE CHALLENGER, RAMON VEGA THROWS A BOMB
BY PAUL NICHOLSON.
It is harder to get five nominations for the FIFA presidency than it is to get 100 votes in the election, said Ramon Vega, who is putting together a challenge for the top job at the world governing body. To him, it is democracy versus fear when it comes to FIFA election.
Vega has spent his own money travelling the world lobbying for his candidature and says that while he has a lot of support there is a real “fear” by federations, especially within the smaller ones, that FIFA’s president and his iron-fisted executive will punish them if they are seen to question his rule.
Asked whether he has his five member association nominations for the presidency he laughs. “Spiritually and philosophically I have 106, actually perhaps a bit less, but it is a significant number. That of course is meaningless if I don’t have the first five and we are close – we just need a little bit more bravery,” said Vega.
Asked if he could win he said: “Look, sometimes it is not just about winning and losing. Of course I think I could win but there needs to be some time for people to get to know me better and what I would do within FIFA if I was elected. They need to get that chance and then decide for themselves.
“First we need to get on the ballot sheet and let’s see who has the courage to be one of those five penalty takers. I think I know who they are, perhaps we will have a few more,” he said.
“What I promise is that FIFA would become a welcoming, transparent and fair organisation that would put football first. And I think federations would find that they have more money, not less, and delivered in a fairer way with more support.”
Vega keeps returning to theme of democracy and transparency. Two concepts that have always been a challenge for FIFA.
“What is needed is that their needs to be a challenge and a debate on the future of world football. At the moment power is concentrated in too few hands who reinforce their power in uncomfortable ways because the structure has been circumvented to allow this. I have met very few federations who are happy with this. It is easier to stand up as part of a bigger group to debate. Being one of the first five takes a bit more courage.
“I know that many federations live in fear of FIFA because that is where they get their money. It is their lifeblood, it is how they finance their football and their people. I understand this but sometimes people have to be a little brave and stand up for what they really belive and make a difference. They need to look at themselves a little bit and ask some tough questions.”
Asked about the use of the money sloshing around in the organisation, he said: “The money is not the problem – money does not have a character, trust me, I know, I have been an investment banker. It is the characters that control that money and how they control it where there is danger. We saw that problem in FIFA before – people went to prison. We must not let this pattern repeat itself.”
“FIFA must be a democracy, it shouldn’t be afraid to debate its future openly and with transparency. Only that way will it be a truly world game. I don’t think you could honestly call it a world game now. Too many people have lost their voices or had them removed,” he continued.
“I do think you could call it a playground for global politics and that is getting worse. This is very worrying for the sport. For many of the people I have spoken to it really is time for them to stand up and be counted but sometimes you just have to ask the questions and send a message.” There is little doubt Vega has sent a message.
- Paul Nicholson writes for insidewordfootball.com
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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