Embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino to stand for re-election

Gianni Infantino plans to run for another term as FIFA president, even as criticism of his leadership intensifies and questions grow over whether he can legally seek a fourth term.

A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that Infantino’s position had not changed. “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,” the spokesperson said.

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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.

Infantino avoided questions about his future while attending the opening match of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. Speaking outside the stadium, he said there would be an appropriate time to discuss the issue, but not during the match. “There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this,” he told Sky News. “It’s not today, it’s not here, but here and today, we are enjoying football.”

He did not answer when asked whether he had considered resigning or still intended to seek a fourth term. The leadership challenge follows his failed plan to sell World Cup rights to private investors. The article says Infantino has also faced growing disapproval from regional confederations and national associations.

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There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this. It’s not today, it’s not here, but here and today, we are enjoying football.

Infantino has led FIFA for the past decade and remains a powerful figure in world football, but the article portrays his support as weakening. Critics view his close relationships with influential global leaders and his plans to maximize football revenue as divisive and potentially threatening to the sport.

FIFA presidents may serve three four-year terms. Infantino successfully argued in 2022 that his first period in office, which began after his 2016 election following Sepp Blatter’s resignation, should not count because it completed an interrupted mandate. Critics and rights groups have asked the Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee to stop his re-election bid.

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We are continuing at FIFA, of course, to work to give every corner of the world a chance, an opportunity, a dignity, to find ways and means for them to become better and to participate and to celebrate football, which we all love.