FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed his intention to seek re-election next year, despite facing ongoing controversy surrounding his leadership. The 56-year-old Swiss is under pressure to resign following attempts to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors.
UEFA, the European governing body, has led calls for Infantino to step down, with further opposition from the Asian confederation and Concacaf. However, FIFA has reiterated Infantino’s plan to run for a fourth and final term in the elections scheduled for March 2027.
A FIFA spokesperson stated, “The Fifa president announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election.” Should he be re-elected, Infantino, whose term began in 2016, would serve as head of world football until 2031.
While Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is seen as a potential challenger, Infantino has support from Saudi Arabia, Caf, and Conmebol. As the only declared candidate so far, he will need a simple majority from the 211 affiliated federations to extend his term. Candidate nominations for the election must be submitted by 18 November.