Lise Klaveness Believes Gianni Infantino Can Be Challenged for FIFA Presidency

Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness believes that viable candidates exist to challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency, emphasizing the urgency of finding a winning contender before the nomination deadline on November 18.

While Klaveness has been mentioned as a possible candidate, she has largely ruled out running herself, noting that her outspoken stance on governance has not traditionally been the most efficient way to secure votes. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter previously suggested it was time for a female leader, to which Klaveness dryly responded by recalling his past remarks about women playing in shorter shorts. Despite distancing herself from a personal run, she maintains that governance reform remains vital.

Focus on Remedy and Labor Rights

Klaveness is primarily campaigning to re-engage football governing bodies on the topic of remedy—ensuring financial compensation for workers injured or killed during infrastructure projects linked to major tournaments. Following the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a FIFA review acknowledged organizational responsibility to provide remedy, though the funds were ultimately directed elsewhere. Klaveness aims to establish new practices ahead of Euro 2028, co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, as well as the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, where labor groups note limited external scrutiny on conditions.

Her proposals seek to ensure that funds are formally set aside for remedy before tournaments begin and that clear distribution mechanisms are established. She discussed these guidelines at an OECD anniversary gathering, advocating for transparent alliances rather than closed-door deals.

Broader Context and Upcoming Fixtures

Klaveness has previously called for Infantino to resign following controversies such as the Balogun red card and the FIFA Forward Enterprise fiasco. However, she stresses that the current reform effort transcends any single individual, expressing disappointment that Infantino’s initial reform platform was not fully implemented.

On the pitch, the Norwegian federation continues its competitive preparations. The Norwegian women's national team faces a playoff against Wales to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, while the men's team recently competed in the United States.

Practical Implications and Verification

• Nomination Deadline: Potential candidates for the FIFA presidency must be nominated by November 18.
• Policy Goals: The Norwegian federation plans to submit remedy proposals at upcoming FIFA and UEFA congresses.
• Verification: Official tournament details, congress schedules, and regulatory updates can be verified directly through FIFA and UEFA official portals.