Uefa is nearing a decision on who will challenge Gianni Infantino for the presidency of Fifa. The European football authority and its partners are speeding up their search for a contender before a key November deadline for declarations.

Prominent figures have been considered, such as ex-Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger, who leads Fifa's worldwide football development efforts. Wenger visited Azerbaijan for a youth tournament recently but is not currently seen as a likely choice. The final selection might be made soon and then shared with Uefa's leadership and member nations in a virtual gathering.

A successful challenger must obtain the necessary votes to win. This involves forming an alliance that reaches past Europe to attract backing from other continental confederations. This goal recently grew more difficult after the head of Asian football switched his support to Infantino's re-election bid. Doubt is increasing about defeating the current president, with some proposing that a widespread boycott or abstention during the vote might be a stronger form of dissent.

The electoral contest is happening at the same time as a heated public argument about how Fifa is run. Uefa's leader Aleksander Ceferin has taken a firm stance, recently criticizing Infantino in a speech. Uefa has submitted a series of questions to Fifa about its operations and choices, touching on topics like a discontinued funding program, an award, and a disciplinary case at the World Cup. Fifa has been given a deadline to reply, and Infantino stated they would provide answers as fully as possible.

Separately, Uefa has sought records from American courts concerning the funding program, aiming to file a legal case in Switzerland over alleged financial issues. Fifa has called these actions harassing and spread false information, while clearing its president of misconduct. The planned 2029 Club World Cup still has no venue and is said to be delayed. An initial court decision on some legal matters is anticipated soon, and Fifa is expected to challenge any unfavorable outcome. The situation could also be affected by American elections, as a congressional committee that began a probe into connections between Infantino, Fifa, and a former US administration may see a change in leadership.

Background and full detail: The Guardian