The 55-year-old Swiss former centre-back made the announcement on Wednesday, outlining a campaign centred on reforming FIFA's governance, restoring trust and reuniting the global football community.
Vega calls for fundamental reform
Vega presented his plans in an 11-page manifesto, arguing that football's governing body needs a new direction after a period of growing tensions between FIFA and several major football associations and confederations.
He said his objective was to “reunite the global football family”, modernise FIFA and restore the organisation's credibility.
Vega also criticised the current leadership, arguing that weak governance had damaged FIFA's reputation and eroded trust across the football community.
The former defender also stressed that football should not be controlled solely by presidents, confederations or administrators, arguing for greater involvement from players, coaches, referees, supporters, clubs, leagues and national associations.
Infantino facing growing opposition
Vega's announcement comes at a turbulent time for Gianni Infantino, who is seeking re-election for another term as FIFA president.
Infantino has faced increasing criticism following the collapse of a controversial proposal involving private investment in a new FIFA commercial entity connected to rights from competitions including the World Cup.
Several national associations have subsequently withdrawn their support for Infantino's re-election bid, while UEFA has said it intends to put forward an alternative candidate before the nomination deadline.
Infantino has nevertheless maintained his intention to contest the election and has proposed an independent review of FIFA's decision-making processes.
Vega has tried before
This is not Vega's first attempt to challenge Infantino or seek FIFA's top position.
The former Switzerland international previously explored a presidential bid in 2015, 2019 and 2022, but failed to secure the necessary support to appear on the ballot.
Candidates must be proposed by a FIFA member association, demonstrate active involvement in football for at least two of the previous five years and pass an eligibility review.
The deadline for candidates to submit their nominations is 18 November 2026.
From Tottenham and Celtic to FIFA politics
Vega earned 23 caps for Switzerland between 1993 and 2001 and enjoyed a club career that included spells with Cagliari, Tottenham, Celtic and Watford.
He won the League Cup with Tottenham in 1999 before helping Celtic complete a domestic treble during the 2000/01 season, winning the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup.
After retiring from professional football in 2004, Vega moved into finance and football-related advisory work, experience he believes gives him a different perspective on FIFA governance.
FIFA election set for March 2027
The FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March 2027.
Vega is currently the first person to publicly declare his intention to challenge Infantino, although the race could develop significantly before the November nomination deadline.
For now, his announcement represents the first formal challenge to Infantino's bid for another term and adds a new dimension to an increasingly contentious FIFA presidential race.