Special feature Football’s power 100
The most important and influential people in the world game today...
Hany ABO RIDA Egypt, FIFA Council member
One of the few surviving members of the 2011 FIFA ExCo that voted to award the 2018 and 2022 to Russia and Qatar respectively. A close ally of the now-disgraced Mohamed Bin Hammam, he accompanied him on the infamous visit to Trinidad that saw the Qatari accused of offering bribes to Caribbean officials.
AHMAD Ahmad Madagascar, CAF president, FIFA Council
Former Malagasy FA president who challenged – and beat – incumbent Issa Hayatou for the CAF presidency in 2017. A backer of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, his tenure has been dogged by allegations of corruption and he is currently being investigated by both FIFA’s Ethics Committee and French anti-corruption authorities over a deal with a French kit supplier.
Sheikh AHMAD Al Fahad Al Sabah Kuwait, administrator
IOC member who resigned from the FIFA Council in 2017 after denying allegations of bribery but remains an influential figure in Middle Eastern football.
Mahfuza AKHTER Bangladesh, FIFA Council member
Beat the incumbent, Australian lawyer Maya Dodd, in 2017 to claim the FIFA Council seat reserved for Asian women. Criticised for being unable to name the women’s world champions.
Nasser AL KHELAIFI
Qatar, PSG president, chairman Qatar Sports Investments, beIN Media CEO
Former Davis Cup tennis player who has emerged as the leading figure in Qatar’s bid for global influence. Recently elected to UEFA ExCo as a club representative despite facing bribery allegations over World Cup TV rights.
Saud Abdulaziz AL MOHANNADI Qatar, FIFA Council member
Former general-secretary of the Qatar FA. Elected in April 2019 as one of the AFC’s representatives on the FIFA Council.
Tamim bin Hamad AL THANI Qatar, Emir of Qatar
Succeeded his father as Qatar’s monarch in 2018. The 39-year-old IOC member has continued to push Qatar’s ambitions in football.
Hassan AL THAWADI Qatar, head of 2022 World Cup organising committee
A key figure in Qatar’s successful bid for the 2022 World Cup and subsequently the public face of the preparations.
Mariano ARANETA Philippines, FIFA Council member
Former Filipino international and national coach turned FA president who was voted onto the FIFA Council in May 2017.
Jose ASTIGARRAGA Paraguay, administrator, CONMEBOL general-secretary
Appointed in 2016 as part of the reforms instigated at South American
confederation CONMEBOL following the FIFAGate corruption scandal.
Sarai BAREMAN New Zealand, FIFA head of women’s football
Former Samoan FA official brought into FIFA by Gianni Infantino in 2016. One of the highestranking female officials in Zurich.
Jonathan BARNETT England, agent
Founder and chairman of London-based Stellar Group, his most high-profile client is Gareth Bale. Named by Forbes as the world’s most powerful sports agent after negotiating an estimated $1.28billion in contracts and transfer fees.
Josep Maria BARTOMEU Spain, Barcelona president
Catalan businessman who has been president of Barcelona since 2014 following the resignation of previous president Sandro Rosell. Likely to face a re-election battle in 2021.
Txiki BEGIRISTAIN Spain, Manchester City director of football
Former Spain international who has played a central role in the emergence of Man City as a major force in English and European football, overseeing youth development and recruitment.
Alasdair BELL Scotland, FIFA deputy general-secretary
Former head of legal affairs at European governing body UEFA who was hired by FIFA in 2018 and is playing an increasingly important role in Zurich.
Giuliano BERTOLUCCI Brazil, agent
Responsible, with partner Kia Joorabchian, for many Brazilians moving to Europe. Clients include Willian, Philippe Coutinho and David Luiz.
Sonia BIEN-AIME Turks & Caicos, FIFA Council member
In 2015 became the first woman to be elected to FIFA’s executive committee in a seat not designated for a female.
Philippe BLATTER Switzerland, president InFront/Wanda
A major figure in global TV rights, the nephew of former FIFA president Sepp Blatter is now playing a key role in football’s development in China, where Wanda, who bought his InFront agency in 2015, is a high-profile sponsor.
Tarek BOUCHAMAOUI Tunisia, FIFA Council member
Elected to FIFA’s top body in 2015 as part of a new wave of African executives. Was revealed by the Swiss Leaks investigation to have over €43million in an HSBC bank account.
Lukas BRUD Germany, secretary/CEO International Board
The public face of IFAB, the game’s rule-making body. A key figure in the monitoring and assessing of the impact of rule changes such as VAR.
Almamy Kabele CAMARA Guinea, FIFA Council member
Member of FIFA Council since September 2016, when he beat future CAF president Ahmad in a continental election to decide African representation on the Council.
Aleksander CEFERIN Slovenia, UEFA president, FIFA vice-president
Lawyer who worked for his family’s firm before becoming Slovenian FA president in 2011. Succeeded Michel Platini at UEFA in 2016 after beating Holland’s Michael Van Praag in an election. A technocrat who has been far less media-friendly than Platini.
Michele CENTENARO Italy, ECA general-secretary
Key figure in running the European Club Association, successor of the G-14 group. Previously head of club competitions at UEFA.
Pedro CHALUJA Panama, FIFA Council member
President of the Panamanian federation since 2010 and part of the post-FIFAgate new wave from CONCACAF.
Evelina CHRISTILLIN Italy, FIFA Council member
Another of the new intake for the expanded FIFA executive in September 2016, elected as the UEFA female member. A former skier who played a key role in the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.
Greg CLARKE England, FA chairman, FIFA vice-president
Businessman who was on the board of Leicester City before becoming chairman of the Football League, moving to the FA in 2016. Beat the Irish FA’s David Martin to assume the Home Nations’ vice-presidency of FIFA earlier this year.
Pierluigi COLLINA Italy, chairman FIFA’s referees committee
The world’s most recognisable match official now plays an important role in the appointment of FIFA tournament officials and implementation of rule changes.
Joyce COOK England, general-secretary FIFA Foundation
A key figure in improving diversity within FIFA. Previously the world governing body’s Chief Member Associations Officer.
Carlos CORDEIRO USA, USSF president
Former banker elected in 2018. Embroiled in an equal-pay row with the USA women’s national team players.
Onofre COSTA Portugal, FIFA head of communications
Appointed earlier this year after a long spell as the spokesman for Portugal’s national team.
Sandor CSANYI Hungary, FIFA Council member
Multi-millionaire banker and reported by Forbes to be Hungary’s richest man. Member of UEFA’s ExCo and, since 2017, the FIFA Council.
Ramon CUGAT Spain, orthopaedic surgeon
Dubbed the “Messi of medicine”. Famed for his plasma treatment, whereby patients are re-injected with their own blood.
Didier DESCHAMPS France, national coach
World Cup-winning boss, 20 years on from his success captaining France to World Cup glory.
Luigi DE SIERVO Italy, Serie A CEO
Former TV executive (Infront, Sky) who was appointed late last year with a brief to develop and boost Serie A’s TV revenues.
DU Zhaocai China, FIFA Council member
Elected in April this year as one of the Asian representatives on FIFA Council. China’s former deputy sports minister, his appointment led to accusations of government interference in the Chinese federation.
Stephanie FRAPPART France, referee
Officiated the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final and the first woman to take charge of a men’s European showpiece game: the 2019 Super Cup.
Don GARBER USA, MLS commissioner
Boss of Major League Soccer since 1999, he has overseen the consistent expansion of the league to the current 24 teams, with plans to increase to 30 by 2023.
David GILL England, UEFA vice-president and treasurer
Former Manchester United chief executive who is now the leading English powerbroker within UEFA and FIFA circles. Quit his FIFA vicepresidency role in 2015 in protest at the re-election of then-president Sepp Blatter.
Fernando GOMES Portugal, FIFA Council member
Former Porto director and Portuguese league boss who was elected his country’s FA president in 2011 and joined the FIFA Council in 2017.
Mattias GRAFSTROM Sweden, FIFA deputy secretary-general
Chief of staff to president Gianni Infantino’s private office who effectively acts as his boss’ gatekeeper and fixer.
Pep GUARDIOLA Spain, coach
A league winner in Spain, Germany and England, the Spaniard is arguably the world’s most influential coach, with tactics and ideas that are widely admired and copied.
Sunil GULATI USA, FIFA Council member
Former US federation president, serving four terms until 2018, who is likely to play a key role in organising the 2026 World Cup. A full-time economics lecturer at Columbia University.
Ada HEGERBERG Norway, player
Judged to be the world’s best female player in 2018 but refused to play for Norway at this year’s World Cup in protest at the pay gap between Norway’s women’s and men’s teams.
Luis HERNANDEZ Cuba, FIFA Council member
Former international and the first Cuban to be elected to FIFA’s executive.
Ramon JESURUN Colombia, FIFA Council member
President of Colombia’s football federation who is also vice-president of CONMEBOL. Is under investigation for alleged embezzlement and resale of tickets for Colombia’s World Cup qualifying matches.
Dato Windsor JOHN Malaysia, AFC general-secretary
Key administrative figure at the Asian Football Confederation.
Fritz KELLER Germany, president of the DFB
Recently elected president of the German FA, replacing the accident-prone Reinhard Grindel. Formerly president of Freiburg, the winemaker and restaurateur is likely to play a key role in organising Euro 2024 in Germany.
Jurgen KLOPP Germany, coach
Champions League winner and one of the world’s most coveted coaches.
George KOUMAS
Cyprus, FIFA Council member
Businessman who has been Cyprus FA president since 2018, when he also joined the FIFA Council as a European representative.
Noel LE GRAET France, FIFA Council member
French federation president since 2011 and a former president of Guingamp. Recently elected to FIFA Council to replace Reinhard Grindel.
Jack MA China, owner Alibaba, FIFA sponsor
China’s richest man whose company stepped in as a World Cup sponsor after western companies quit in the light of the FIFAgate scandal.
Lambert MALTOCK Vanuatu, OFC president, FIFA Council member
Replaced the disgraced David Chung as OFC head in 2018.
Sheikh MANSOUR bin Zayed Al Nahyan UAE, owner Manchester City
The Emirati royal has put more than £1.4billion into Man City since acquiring the club in 2008.
Giorgio MARCHETTI Italy, UEFA director of football and deputy general-secretary
The public face of UEFA at tournament draws as its director of club competitions.
Dietrich MATESCHITZ Austria, businessman, club owner
Red Bull energy-drink entrepreneur and controversial owner of clubs in Germany (Leipzig), Austria (Salzburg) and USA (New York Red Bulls), as well as recently promoted Brazilian club Bragantino.
Jorge MENDES Portugal, agent
The world’s most powerful agent, representing virtually every key individual in Portuguese football, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho and Joao Felix, as well as exerting influence at individual clubs such as Wolves.
Lionel MESSI Argentina, player
Record-breaking, multiple award-winning superstar and the world’s highest-paid player.
Philippe MOGGIO Colombia, CONCACAF secretary-general
Former Davis Cup tennis player who has been CONCACAF’s key administrator since 2016. Previously a senior executive with the NBA.
Victor MONTAGLIANI Canada, CONCACAF president, FIFA Council member
Former Canadian FA president who has been leading attempts to clean up CONCACAF post Jack Warner. The first non-Caribbean president of CONCACAF since 1969.
Hajji MOUAD Morocco, CAF general-secretary
A controversial appointment in April 2019 following the firing of Amr Fahmy, who was sacked after accusing CAF president Ahmad of taking bribes and misusing CAF funds. Has faced accusations that there is too much Moroccan influence within the African confederation.
Maria Sol MUNOZ Ecuador, FIFA Council member
Lawyer who is the first female South American representative on the FIFA Council.
Karl-Erik NILSSON Sweden, UEFA vice-president
Former international referee who has been president of the Swedish FA since 2012 and a senior figure on the UEFA executive.
Lydia NSEKERA Burundi, FIFA Council member
Former president of the Burundi federation who in 2012 became the first woman to be co-opted onto the FIFA executive.
Walter NYAMILANDU Malawi, FIFA Council member
Former international defender who has been president of the Malawi FA since 2004. Defeated South African FA president Danny Jordaan to win a place on the FIFA Council in 2018.
Lars-Christer OLSSON Sweden, European Leagues president
Former UEFA chief executive who, in his new role with European Leagues, has clashed with Europe’s top clubs over their plans for a revamped Champions League, with more money and places earmarked for the richest clubs.
Constant OMARI DR Congo, FIFA Council member
Close ally of CAF president Ahmad. Arrested in April 2019 on suspicion of embezzling Congolese FA funds. A FIFA Council member since 2015.
Jose OTIN Spain, agent
His Bahia International agency represents many leading Spanish players, notably those involved in high-profile transfers to England, such as Kepa, Pedro and Dani Ceballos.
Marc OVERMARS Holland, Ajax director of football
Former flying winger for Ajax, Arsenal, Barcelona and Holland and once again a central figure at Ajax, who continue to successfully promote youth from their academy, allowing them to compete with richer clubs.
Praful PATEL India, FIFA Council member
Elected to FIFA council earlier this year as an AFC rep, the first Indian to do so.
Rajesh PATEL Fiji, FIFA Council member
One of the OFC’s representatives on the FIFA Council, having been elected earlier this year.
Florentino PEREZ Spain, Real Madrid president
Engineer and property developer who has overseen a hugely successful period for Real Madrid during his second spell at the helm.
Jerome PERLEMUTER France, World Leagues Forum general-secretary
Lawyer and former French league official.
Philippe PIAT France, FIFPro president
Former Strasbourg midfielder who has headed the global players’ union since 2013.
Nestor PITANA Argentina, referee
Took charge of the 2018 World Cup Final between France and Croatia.
Reinhard RAUBALL Germany, Bundesliga president
Former Borussia Dortmund president who has headed the Bundesliga since 2007.
Mino RAIOLA Italy, agent
Italo-Dutch fixer who has specialised in securing high-profile transfers for bigname clients, notably Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mario Balotelli and, most recently, Matthijs De Ligt.
Cristiano RONALDO Portugal, player
The world’s most recognisable footballer and a league winner in England, Spain and Italy.
Kasper RORSTED Denmark, CEO adidas
Boss of FIFA’s long-term sponsor, kit supplier and commercial partner.
Luis RUBIALES Spain, RFEF president, UEFA vice-president
Key figure leading a new era at the Spanish federation following the departure of Angel Maria Villar Llona. A former player who had a brief spell at Scottish club Hamilton Academical, he is currently pushing controversial plans for the Spanish Super Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Karl-Heinz RUMMENIGGE Germany, Bayern Munich chairman
Former West Germany superstar, twice voted European Footballer of the Year, who is the most powerful figure at Bayern following Uli Hoeness’ recent retirement. Remains an important influence within the ECA.
Fatma SAMOURA Senegal, FIFA secretary-general
The most powerful woman in football and FIFA’s first female secretary-general. A former diplomat and UN official who was, because of her lack of football experience, a surprise choice by Gianni Infantino to head FIFA’s administration when he assumed the FIFA presidency in 2016. Recently seconded from Zurich to run the crisis-hit African confederation.
Fernando SARNEY Brazil, FIFA Council member
The son of former state president Jose Sarney, he replaced Marco Polo Del Nero on the FIFA Council in 2015 following Del Nero’s involvement in the FIFA corruption scandal.
Dejan SAVICEVIC Montenegro, FIFA Council member
Former Yugoslavia international, star of Milan’s 1994 European Cup Final victory, who has headed the Montenegrin federation since 2004.
Christian SEIFERT Germany, Bundesliga CEO
Long-serving Bundesliga boss (since 2004), he has been a vocal critic – through his chairmanship of the World Leagues Forum – of Gianni Infantino’s plan for an expanded Club World Championship.
Maryam SHOJAEI Iran, campaigner
Founder of the #NoBan4Women movement, campaigning for the admission of women supporters to stadiums in Iran.
Alexey SOROKIN Russia, FIFA Council member
Former Russian FA official who headed Russia’s 2018 World Cup organisation. Elected to the FIFA Council in 2017, regaining a place for Russia that was lost when government politician Vitaly Mutko was barred.
Volker STRUTH Germany, agent
Germany’s leading agent, with clients including Marco Reus and Toni Kroos.
Davor SUKER Croatia, president of Croatian FA
Former national-team striker who is halfway through his second term as Croatia federation president. Elected to UEFA’s executive committee in 2015.
Kozo TASHIMA Japan, FIFA Council member
President of Japanese FA and a FIFA Council member since 2015.
Javier TEBAS Spain, La Liga president
Head of the Spanish top flight since 2013 and a controversial figure who has been pushing for La Liga games to be played overseas. Also expressed support for Spain’s far-right Vox party.
Theodore THEODORIDIS Greece, UEFA general-secretary
Replaced Gianni Infantino at UEFA and given the permanent job by Aleksander Ceferin.
Philip TOWNSEND England, UEFA communications director
UEFA’s media relations chief. Previously in the same role at Manchester United.
Arsene WENGER France, FIFA head of global football development
Former Arsenal boss is now the highest-ranking football person at FIFA.
Johanna WOOD New Zealand, FIFA Council member
One of two Oceania representatives on the FIFA Council. The first New Zealander there since Charlie Dempsey.
Michael ZORC Germany, Borussia Dortmund sporting director
The mastermind behind Dortmund’s highly profitable transfer and scouting policy.