Former Tottenham star Ramon Vega becomes Gianni Infantino's first presidential rival as Swiss announces his intention to stand in FIFA election

Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has revealed his intention to challenge Gianni Infantino at next year's FIFA presidential election.

Infantino has come under intense pressure to resign after trying to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors but has refused to stand down from his role.

He intends to stand for a fourth consecutive term next March at the FIFA Congress, though there is uncertainty around his future after three confederations rejected Infantino's plan, which was then abandoned.

Among them were UEFA, who said they have lost confidence in Infantino and threatened to boycott future World Cups.

Vega, meanwhile, played for Tottenham between 1997 and 2001 and is the first person to publicly challenge the 56-year-old.

He said in a statement: 'I am standing because my life has prepared me to serve the game.

Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega (pictured) is planning on challenging Gianni Infantino for FIFA presidency next year

Infantino (pictured) is already under pressure for his job but is planning on standing again

'I stand before the global football family with humility, determination and a profound sense of responsibility.

'Football does not belong to presidents, confederations or administrators. Football is greater than any position, any individual or any institution.

'Football is in the emergency room, on life support. We cannot wait any longer. FIFA needs a new direction and fundamental reform.'

Football association presidents and general secretaries from across Europe are gathering in Berlin ahead of a UEFA Top Executive Programme (TEP) meeting on Thursday, where the topic of FIFA and its governance will be on the morning agenda.

The Press Association report that UEFA remain committed to identifying a credible alternative candidate to run against Infantino, but that it is unlikely any individual will be settled on at Thursday's meeting. The deadline for candidates to be submitted is November 18.

While UEFA executives gather in Germany, Infantino is attempting to shore up his power base in Africa as he attends the Confederation of African Football strategy conference in Cape Verde this week, alongside FIFA's chief of global football development Arsene Wenger.

He also enjoys strong support in South America, while a number of Middle Eastern nations, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have indicated they will back him for the presidency.