Dubai: University lecturer Peter Auf der Heyde is preparing an ambitious bid to challenge Gianni Infantino for the Fifa presidency.
The former journalist and football club owner is hoping to secure the nominations required to stand against the incumbent in the March 2027 election, with a pledge to take home an annual salary of just $1 (75p) if successful.
South African Auf der Heyde currently teaches journalism at Southampton Solent University. He previously worked as sports editor for Germany's Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa).
His football background includes serving as president of the Grahamstown Soccer Association in South Africa, as well as owning and managing second-division club UDW FC during the early 1990s.
"I feel very strongly that there needs to be a challenge in any election," Auf der Heyde told BBC Radio Solent.
"There should not be an uncontested election and in this case Infantino needs to be challenged. It's important for accountability and transparency."
To officially enter the race against Infantino, Auf der Heyde must receive nominations from five national football associations ahead of the March 2027 vote.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is also weighing up a potential challenge, with Infantino having faced pressure to step aside after a controversial proposal involving the sale of stakes in Fifa competitions to private investors.
