FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially confirmed his intention to run for a new term, despite facing significant opposition from European football bodies and other confederations. The announcement, made through a spokesperson, reaffirms his earlier declaration from April that he would seek re-election in 2027.
Infantino's Candidacy Confirmed Amid Controversy
The confirmation comes at a time when UEFA and several other continental and national associations have voiced strong criticism of the Swiss-Italian administrator’s leadership. Critics have pointed to a lack of transparency and a controversial plan to channel World Cup revenues into a commercial company open to private investors.
In early August, UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation sent a joint letter to the “football family,” expressing their rejection of Infantino’s approach. However, Infantino has received “consensual” support from the African Football Confederation (CAF), as well as backing from parts of CONMEBOL, various national associations, former players, and political figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The FIFA Forward Enterprise Project and Its Backlash
Infantino surprised the football world in early August by announcing plans to create an external company named “FIFA Forward Enterprise” to manage FIFA’s commercial activities and major tournaments, including the World Cup, while opening the door to private investors. The project was quickly withdrawn in the face of widespread opposition from various football stakeholders.
UEFA accused Infantino of “criminal mismanagement” over the controversial project and led the initial counter-movement, including threats to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, if the plan was not abandoned. Although UEFA withdrew its boycott threat on August 27, it remains fully convinced that Infantino should leave his post.
UEFA's Legal and Investigative Moves
UEFA has filed requests in the United States to disclose documents related to the plan from FIFA and its partners. If successful in obtaining these documents, UEFA intends to file a legal complaint in Switzerland, having received assurances that the case meets the necessary conditions for consideration by a Swiss court.
UEFA has also received strong support from CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation in its actions against Infantino. The three continental confederations have continued to pressure and coordinate, issuing a strongly worded joint letter last month. The letter stated, “Leadership in football is not a monarchy. It is not about holding on to power or demanding to keep it.”
Potential Challengers and Supporters
Victor Montagliani, the Canadian president of CONCACAF, is widely seen as the most prominent challenger to Infantino, while UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out of the race. Montagliani, a FIFA vice president, was long considered a close ally of Infantino, but signs have emerged—even before his distancing over the controversial project—that he views FIFA’s role differently than the Swiss-Italian.
Infantino, however, does not lack allies. Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup, declared its support for him last month, alongside the African confederation and CONMEBOL. Earlier this month, FIFA accused its European counterpart of waging a “smear campaign” and a “random search for evidence” against Infantino.
Election Process and Timeline
As the only declared candidate so far for the election scheduled in Rabat, Infantino will need a simple majority of votes from FIFA’s 211 member associations to extend his tenure, which began in 2016 and was renewed in 2023. Candidacy applications for the upcoming election must be submitted by November 18.
Infantino is currently in Poland to attend the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, but he declined to answer journalists’ questions about his future when asked on Saturday.
