Infantino to seek re-election as FIFA president despite investment-plan fallout

Gianni Infantino will seek re-election as FIFA president in March 2027, despite mounting pressure over an abandoned plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms.

FIFA confirmed the bid in a statement, saying, "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 has led football's world governing body since 2016.

UEFA and several European football associations opposed the investment proposal. FIFA has accused UEFA of conducting a "smear campaign against it and its leadership", while UEFA has sought legal documents concerning the abandoned plan.

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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, 56, did not answer questions about his future at the Women's Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday. If re-elected, he could remain in office until 2031. FIFA rules allow a president to serve a maximum of four terms.

The Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have withdrawn their support. UEFA is reportedly looking for a candidate to challenge Infantino, although no challenger has formally entered the race. A candidate needs the backing of at least 106 of FIFA's 211 member associations, and nominations must be submitted by Nov. 18, 2026. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has been mentioned as a possible candidate.

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smear campaign against it and its leadership