Peter Auf der Heyde, a university lecturer and former journalist, is set to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency. Auf der Heyde previously served as president of the Grahamstown Soccer Association in South Africa and owned and managed second-division side UDW FC in the early 1990s.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, he said, "I feel very strongly that there needs to be a challenge in any election." He added, "There should not be an uncontested election and in this case Infantino needs to be challenged. It's important for accountability and transparency."
To stand against Infantino in next year's election, Auf der Heyde needs a nomination from five football associations. He said he is not seeking votes at this stage but nominations, explaining that becoming an official candidate would allow him to put questions to rival candidates that he cannot currently ask. According to earlier reporting, candidates face a November 18 deadline to secure the required backing from FIFA member federations.
He is not the only figure reportedly weighing a run. Arsene Wenger is also said to be considering a challenge to Infantino, while Japan's Kozo Tashima has expressed interest in standing as well.
Auf der Heyde said he has written to all 211 of FIFA's member associations and has so far received replies from the Jamaican and English football associations.
On Infantino's pay, he said, "Infantino earned around $6m (£4.49m) last year which I think is ridiculous. I would suggest that $450,000 (£337,259) is a very adequate salary and in my case I would ask to be paid $1 per year and after four years if I have maintained my promises then I can get the remaining money."
A New Competition for Smaller Nations
Setting out part of his manifesto, Auf der Heyde said, "I'd like to see an emerging nations World Cup." He explained, "This would be for countries like Eswatini, Andorra and San Marino, who will quite frankly never qualify for the World Cup."
He continued, "They should be allowed in my view to play for a global competition where only these kinds of countries have a chance to play." He added that it would be wonderful if winning teams from that competition could then qualify further for the World Cup.
