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Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega hopes to stand against Gianni Infantino in next year’s elections as he aims to become the president of Fifa.

Vega is the first person to publically announce his intentions of challenging Infantino who had previously been rumoured to be standing unopposed for re-election.

Infantino’s stock has plummeted since the end of the 2026 World Cup following his failed plan to sell off stakes in future tournaments to private investors. His decision to propose such a plan ignited fury across the footballing world and sparked calls for his resignation as president.

Infantino defied those calls, which primarily came from Uefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation, and claimed to be “fully committed to leading Fifa” as he had been elected to do.

Vega, meanwhile, wants to stand against Infantino with the aim of ‘reuniting the global football family’ and to ‘rebuild trust that our game urgently needs’.

The former Switzerland centre-back also played for Watford and Celtic during his career and has worked in finance since his retirement from the game in 2004.

"I am standing to reunite the global football family, deliver genuine and lasting reform, modernise Fifa for the 21st Century, restore stability and credibility, and rebuild the trust that our game urgently needs," he said when announcing his candidacy.

"I am standing because my life has prepared me to serve the game. Football does not belong to presidents, confederations or administrators. Football is greater than any position, any individual or any institution.

"It is the people's game and belongs to everyone: the players, coaches, referees, supporters, volunteers, clubs, leagues, associations and communities that give football its life.

"It belongs to every child discovering the game, every professional carrying the hopes of a nation, and the billions of supporters whose passion makes football the world's game.

"Football must always come first. Yet for too long, division has fractured our football family.

"The current leadership has demoralised the game. Weak governance has damaged Fifa's credibility and eroded trust across the global football family. We must stop this conflict from escalating.

"Ego-driven battles within football administration must never be allowed to damage those who matter most: the players, coaches, referees and supporters around the world. They are not responsible for these conflicts. They deserve better.

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

"We must reunite the football family, restore trust, bring stability and modernise Fifa's governance. This requires decisive change - not cosmetic adjustments."

Lucas Bergvall could depart Spurs midway through the season and AC Milan have been mentioned as potential suitors.

Milan were linked with Bergvall in the summer window as they searched for an attacking midfielder with quality. The strong links with Endrick in the past few days suggest that search is still underway, and if they can’t get the Real Madrid man then the old link might resurface.

TMW recall that Bergvall was signed by Tottenham Hotspur from Djurgardens for €10m in the summer of 2024. He hasn’t been awarded much playing time this season under the head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

The midfielder – whose contract expires in the summer of 2031 – has played only three Premier League games this season: 45 minutes against Brentford, 27 minutes against Everton, and just six minutes against Aston Villa.

Leaving in January?

Bergvall’s departure already seemed possible in the summer, especially in the final weeks of the transfer window. Several clubs sounded out the possibility with Tottenham’s management, who have invested heavily in the department with Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes.

Bergvall’s playing time has further diminished. To avoid losing an important role with the Swedish national team, he may leave London in January. In this regard, a number of Italian clubs could test the waters.

For example, Fiorentina’s sporting director Fabio Paratici knows him well, having had him at Tottenham. Juventus are looking for a player with his characteristics also, potentially to replace Teun Koopmeiners.

Milan and Inter are mentioned in the report too as clubs that could try seize the opportunity, and even Napoli in the event of high-profile departures. In short, the Swede could start appearing on the front pages in Italy soon.

Former Cagliari and Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega announced he intends to run as a candidate for FIFA President against Gianni Infantino.

The 55-year-old played his international football for Switzerland with two goals in 23 senior caps.

He wore the Cagliari jersey in Serie A for the 1996-97 campaign, then was sold to Tottenham Hotspur, going on to play for Celtic, Watford and Creteil before retirement in 2023.

Infantino, who is also Swiss, has faced multiple calls for him to step down after a series of scandals, the biggest of which was his failed attempt to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

One of the main problems for critics of Infantino has been finding a suitable candidate to run against him, and Vega feels this can be his opportunity.

“I am standing to reunite the global football family, deliver genuine and lasting reform, modernise Fifa for the 21st Century, restore stability and credibility, and rebuild the trust that our game urgently needs,” Vega announced in a statement.

Vega not new to FIFA ambitions

This isn’t the first time, nor the second, that Vega has tried to run for the role of FIFA President.

He considered it in 2015 after Sepp Blatter’s suspension, then four later said he would run against Infantino, but couldn’t even get the backing of five out of the 211 member federations.

“Football does not belong to presidents, confederations or administrators. Football is greater than any position, any individual or any institution,” declared Vega in his statement.

“It is the people’s game and belongs to everyone: the players, coaches, referees, supporters, volunteers, clubs, leagues, associations and communities that give football its life.

“Football must always come first. Yet for too long, division has fractured our football family. The current leadership has demoralised the game. Weak governance has damaged FIFA’s credibility and eroded trust across the global football family. We must stop this conflict from escalating.

“Ego-driven battles within football administration must never be allowed to damage those who matter most: the players, coaches, referees and supporters around the world. They are not responsible for these conflicts. They deserve better.”

Vega made 15 competitive appearances in the Cagliari jersey between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

Tottenham Hotspur will battle Manchester United on Saturday in their return to Premier League action after a lengthy international break, and the reset came at a necessary time for a Spurs side that has started the season poorly. Yes, there have been fitness issues and injuries, and, sure, Spurs are playing better in possession under Roberto De Zerbi, but they are winless and struggling not only with putting chances away, but even creating the sort of clear cut chances that lead to goals.

Changes are needed in order to beat a Man United side that, while disappointing, is still significantly better than Spurs right now. And now that he is fully healthy, Tottenham need Mohammed Kudus to declare himself to the opposition by being a more pervasive influence.

Last season, Kudus was so good in his first campaign in North London after being West Ham United's main dribbling force that he really carried Spurs to relevancy. When he went down with an injury that proved to be a season ender, Spurs slid into the relegation zone, bereft of any sort of attacking threat.

Mohammed Kudus has been less impactful

Now, Kudus is sharing the spotlight with Savio, who has been tremendous on the ball thus far, as well as another big name from the Manchester City attack in Omar Marmoush. But that doesn't mean Mohammed Kudus is any less important.

Although Kudus did register an assist in the 3-2 loss to Aston Villa, his impact has been more subdued to start the 2026/27 season than it was immediately when he joined Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Tottenham face a Manchester United defense that is a bit battered and has been giving starts to players like Luke Shaw who present a great matchup for a young, explosive dribbling right winger like Kudus. Man United have not been impressive defensively this season with eight goals allowed, and their entire back line has rated out pretty poorly this season.

Spurs need Kudus to start taking more responsibility on the ball again. Tottenham need a two-headed winger monster, and they need Kudus to be a part of that, drawing out defenders, coming inside, and putting in dangerous passes into central areas and into the box.

Omar Marmoush has had a subdued impact thus far at Tottenham, and Kudus holds the key to helping Spurs get the most out of their potential 60 million pound center forward signing.

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Manchester United could resume their campaign after the international break with a trimmed squad due to the growing number of injuries, including Kobbie Mainoo.

The Red Devils started the campaign on a disappointing note, collecting only five points from their first five Premier League fixtures, not to mention their early elimination from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Brighton.

Therefore, Michael Carrick’s men will be desperate for a positive result when they host fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

But sadly for United, several key players could miss the crucial showdown.

Kobbie Mainoo & six other Man Utd stars doubtful for Spurs

BBC journalist Simon Stone highlighted the injury concerns Carrick is facing at the moment, beginning with Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, who were called up by Thomas Tuchel for England’s four UEFA Nations League fixtures, but couldn’t report for duty.

The English duo are likely dealing with slight knocks they picked up during the Fulham game, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll be fit enough for a call-up this weekend.

On the other hand, Benjamin Sesko’s condition is far more alarming, as the Slovenian has apparently suffered a relapse, with his shin injury returning to haunt him. Experts fear the 23-year-old risks another lengthy period on the sidelines.

While Mainoo, Rashford, and Sesko remained at Carrington during the international break, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui sustained injuries while representing Denmark and Morocco, respectively.

Dorgu’s hamstring issue is considered more serious than Mazraoui’s hip/lower back problem.

Moreover, Amad Diallo, who has been missing since the start of the season, has yet to be spotted training with his teammates at Carrington.

And while insiders claimed Matthijs de Ligt took part in Friday’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne Sport, there hasn’t been any concrete evidence on this front, so the Dutchman’s long-awaited return remains doubtful.

Carrick must resort to alternative options

Despite the dire injury situation, there has been some positive news in store for Carrick. For instance, Carlos Baleba’s participation against Lausanne has been confirmed, suggesting the Cameroonian could make his competitive club debut against Spurs.

The 45-year-old can also entrust Shea Lacey with a starting role on the right wing, allowing Bryan Mbeumo to lead the line in Sesko’s expected absence and fielding Matheus Cunha in his original role on the left.

Finally, Leny Yoro had a convincing international debut with France, so he’ll be eager to keep his momentum going. The young defender will be vying with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez for a starting role.

After finishing 17th two seasons in a row, the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy finally decided it was time to spend big money in an effort to restore the club as one of the so-called Big Six.

Spurs, who were very nearly relegated last term, were in need of a big boost in quality. But after spending well over £250 million, Roberto De Zerbi’s side sit bottom of the table after five games played. So, what’s gone wrong?

Losing has become a habit

It’s fair to say that even after two seasons of struggle, nobody, including Premier League football betting odds, would have suggested that Spurs would have been rock bottom of the table already. After five league games played, they’ve drawn two and lost three, and this raises questions about mentality.

After two seasons of losing a lot of games in the Premier League, has losing, or not winning, become a habit, ingrained within the mindset of the club and those inside it? It’s difficult to break a habit, especially a bad one, and so far, Spurs are still trying to do so.

Lack of potency in attack hasn’t been resolved

Spurs have splashed the cash on Savio and Omar Marmoush this summer to strengthen their forward line, moves that football transfer betting indicated were highly likely to happen, with Mykhailo Mudryk also arriving on loan. While Mudryk is currently out injured, what all three were brought in to do is add potency to what has often been an impotent attack. However, Spurs failed to score a single goal in their first four Premier League outings, only breaking their duck last time out against Aston Villa in a 3-2 defeat.

What Spurs have is a plethora of wide players, a couple of real number 10s when fit, but they continue to lack a focal point in attack who can help link it all together and get on the end of chances created. While Dominic Solanke is a proven goalscorer at this level, he’s spent a lot of time out injured, and there’s no backup option, with Richarlison ousted from the squad by De Zerbi.

A team devoid of confidence

When a team isn’t winning and isn’t scoring, confidence and belief suffer. And that’s evident in Spurs’ performances on the pitch. Last time out against Aston Villa, heads dropped further with every goal conceded, as Unai Emery’s side established a 3-0 lead by 79 minutes played.

There didn’t appear to be much belief in the team, especially after dominating the early exchanges, that they could get back into the game. Conor Gallagher, who came on as a substitute, scored in the 86th minute, but again, Spurs didn’t look like a team that believed a comeback, of course highly unlikely at that point, was even remotely possible.

Final thoughts

Maybe what Tottenham Hotspur need, like many clubs, is time. In time, the players should get used to what manager Roberto De Zerbi is asking of them tactically; the new signings should be fully integrated, fitness levels should be up, and performances and results should improve as a result. However, after spending several hundred million and handing De Zerbi a lucrative long-term contract, how much time do Spurs and De Zerbi really have to get things moving in the right direction?

Roberto Fernandez has been put at the top of Tottenham’s list of targets as they search for a goal scoring solution.

The international break is almost over, and we’ll soon return to the storylines of the Premier League.

One of the dominant ones before the break was Tottenham Hotspur. After a massive summer rebuild, big things were expected of them, yet they’ve started the season in poor form and have yet to win a game. They sit bottom of the table with 5 games played.

Their big issue is scoring goals, and they intend to solve it by buying a striker. TeamTalk claim that Spurs have set their sights on a rising force in La Liga to solve their problems.

Spurs target in form La Liga forward

Roberto Fernandez has had his breakout at Espanyol and just got his first Spain call up. Spurs’ scouts have been “hugely impressed” by what they’ve seen of the forward, who is now “right at the top of their list of attacking targets.”

It’s easy to see why – he’s got 6 in the opening 7 rounds of La Liga, and was rewarded with his first Spain cap earlier this week when he was brought on against Czechia as a sub.

“Premier League scouting sources have told TEAMtalk that Fernandez looks very much like a striker built for English football, with his physical attributes, direct running and ability to operate as a genuine focal point particularly appealing to clubs in the Premier League.”

Chelsea and Brighton have also been linked with interest in the attacker, who came through at Malaga.

Michael Carrick is sweating over the fitness of both Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui ahead of Manchester United’s return to action this weekend.

The Red Devils welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford in a 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday evening.

Why United are worrying about Dorgu

However, it remains to be seen if the two Reds, who are Carrick’s only senior and experienced options to fill in at left-back whenever Luke Shaw is unavailable, will be cleared to feature.

Both sustained untimely setbacks over the international break, with Dorgu appearing to suffer a non-contact problem while facing Wales.

He was substituted immediately after and, in the following days, left the Denmark camp to fly back to Manchester and undergo further assessments of his condition.

Now, MailSport has said that the 21-year-old’s issue is with his hamstring, which is ‘of particular concern’ to United, as that was what kept him sidelined for almost three months in 2025/2026.

What happened to Mazraoui?

As for Mazraoui, he came off worse in a collision during Morocco’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho last Tuesday.

It led to him missing their friendly against Mali on Sunday, and United fans are awaiting clarification on the severity of his injury.

The full-back has made five club appearances across all competitions in 2026/2027, three of which came from the off.

Aside from the defenders, the United faithful are hoping that Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo will be match fit, as they featured in the draw with Fulham before pulling out of the England squad.

Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt are also closing in on their respective returns, with both waiting for their first outings of the season.

Benjamin Sesko remains a doubt.

JJ Gabriel is set to leave United for a move abroad, with Barcelona and Real Madrid among the leading contenders. United are due about £300,000 in compensation.

United's left-back search continues, with Lewis Hall and Myles Lewis-Skelly admired. Rayan Ait-Nouri is an 'interesting' option for January.

Wayne Rooney called Carlos Tevez 'the worst trainer' he saw at United, but praised his energy on matchdays. Rooney also said Marcus Rashford is playing too far from goal.

Paul Scholes says United need a new back four and possibly a goalkeeper, urging a major rebuild despite Senne Lammens' promising start at Old Trafford.

AC Milan are weighing up a January loan move for Joshua Zirkzee. United's striker scored the winner in the Netherlands' 2-1 win over Serbia but has yet to start for the club this season.

United are discussing Igor Matanovic, tracking Finn Jeltsch and remain interested in Alejandro Balde. Bruno Fernandes wants to stay, while JJ Gabriel looks set to leave.

With Djed Spence sold and Pedro Porro injured, Tottenham may already have a right-back prospect in 16-year-old Oscar Sandiford, who has featured for Spurs Under-18s and England Under-18s.

Spurs are not planning a big-money January striker move and will instead focus on value options. The club are open to discussing a new contract with Dejan Kulusevski if he proves his fitness over the coming months.

Mathys Tel deserves a bigger role for Tottenham against Manchester United.

Spurs have several injury concerns before facing Manchester United, with Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Mykhailo Mudryk, Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski out, while Jan Paul van Hecke is a doubt. Micky van de Ven is expected to be fit after a finger injury.