FIFA president, Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election in 2027, with football’s world governing body confirming his intention to seek another term in office.
Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, has faced growing pressure following his controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms.
The plan triggered widespread criticism across the football community, with UEFA threatening to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, in opposition to the proposal.
“Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election,” FIFA said in a statement.
The confirmation comes after Infantino declined to answer questions about his political future when questioned by reporters at the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.
If re-elected, the 56-year-old Swiss would remain FIFA president until 2031.
Infantino’s position has become increasingly contested in recent months. FIFA accused UEFA this week of conducting a “smear campaign” against the organisation and its leadership amid the dispute over the investment proposal.
UEFA has also filed legal papers in the United States seeking access to evidence and documents from FIFA, while warning that it could pursue a criminal complaint in Switzerland.
As recently as July, Infantino appeared almost certain to secure another term, having received the backing of nearly all FIFA member associations and facing no serious challenger.
However, several associations, including those from England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, have since withdrawn their support following the investment controversy.
UEFA is reportedly confident that a candidate capable of challenging Infantino can be found. Any challenger would need the support of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations to enter the race.
UEFA has abandoned efforts to force a vote of no confidence against Infantino, as such a motion would require 159 votes, three-quarters of FIFA’s membership to pass.
No official challenger has yet been announced, although Concacaf president, Victor Montagliani is regarded as a potential candidate.
Nominations for the FIFA presidency must be submitted by 18 November, setting the stage for a closely watched election in 2027.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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