Infantino confirms bid for another term as FIFA president, despite backlash

Gianni Infantino will seek another term as Fifa president at next year’s election, despite growing opposition to his leadership following a controversial investment proposal.

FIFA confirmed that Infantino will contest the election in March 2027, potentially extending his presidency until 2031. The Swiss has led football’s governing body since succeeding Sepp Blatter in 2016.

Infantino faces growing opposition

Infantino has faced increased criticism over a plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms. The proposal triggered strong opposition from European football authorities, with UEFA threatening to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

“Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election,” FIFA said in a statement.

Infantino had previously announced in April that he intended to seek another term, but FIFA’s latest confirmation comes amid an increasingly tense dispute with UEFA.

The 56-year-old declined to discuss his political future when questioned by reporters during the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.

UEFA considers challenge to Infantino

Infantino’s position appeared secure as recently as July, when almost all FIFA member associations had backed his re-election and no serious challenger had emerged.

That situation has since changed. The football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland are among those to have withdrawn their support following the investment proposal.

FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign” against its leadership as the dispute escalates.

UEFA last week filed legal papers in the United States seeking access to documents and evidence relating to Infantino’s proposal. The organisation also warned that it could pursue a criminal complaint in Switzerland.

UEFA has reportedly abandoned plans to seek a vote of no confidence, with the required 159 votes from FIFA’s 211 members considered unrealistic.

Instead, the European body is understood to be confident that a candidate can be found to challenge Infantino at the election.

Deadline set for presidential candidates

No rival has formally entered the race, although CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is regarded as a possible challenger.

Any candidate seeking to oppose Infantino must secure support from at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.

The deadline for nominations is 18 November, leaving potential challengers several weeks to secure the required backing before the election.