PREMIER LEAGUE hero Ramon Vega has officially announced his candidacy for the Fifa Presidential election.

The former Tottenham and Switzerland defender, 55, last month revealed his plans to challenge controversial Fifa chief Gianni Infantino for the presidency next year.

Infantino has been weathering calls for him to step down since his disastrous plans to sell off shares in the World Cup were revealed earlier this year.

Uefa are pushing to oust the executive, but Vega has become the first figure to publicly step into the ring with the incumbent ahead of Fifa‘s election in Rabat in March.

He wrote in an announcement to his social media channels: “I FORMALLY ANNOUNCE MY CANDIDACY FOR THE FIFA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

“FOOTBALL BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE — NOT TO THOSE WHO CONTROL IT.

“Football stands at a defining crossroads. The decisions we make today will shape the future of our beautiful game for generations to come.

“WE DECLARE ZERO TOLERANCE for leadership that has humiliated the passion of five billion football fans around the world and insulted the dignity, dedication and integrity of the millions of people who devote their lives to our beautiful game. Football belongs to its people.

“Their passion deserves respect, their voices deserve to be heard, and their contributions deserve recognition — never humiliation, intimidation or contempt.

“After more than a decade of preparation, I formally announce my candidacy for the Presidency of FIFA in 2027.”

Vega faces an uphill battle as Infantino rallies support behind himself.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have thrown their weight behind the Swiss businessman just months after calling for his resignation.

He apologised for the ill-advised World Cup sell-off plot when grilled by world football chiefs in October, but failed to answer their burning questions.

Vega’s statement touched on the growing distrust between football fans and the sport’s governing bodies.

He wrote: “My candidacy is not driven by personal ambition, power or privilege. It is driven by responsibility, conviction and a profound love for the game that has given me everything.

“I AM NOT STANDING TO CONTINUE THE WAR. I AM STANDING TO END IT.”

Vega made 64 league appearances for Tottenham between 1997 and 2001.

He also had notable spells with Celtic and Watford during his 13-year career.