FIFA’s President, Gianni Infantino, has confirmed his intention to seek re-election, the global soccer governing body announced on Sunday. Infantino has come under scrutiny for his unsuccessful proposal to sell shares in the World Cup. Despite mounting calls for his resignation, FIFA disclosed that Infantino will vie for a fourth and final term in office until 2031.
“The decision for Mr. Infantino to run for re-election in 2027 remains unchanged since his announcement in April. He will indeed seek re-election,” stated a spokesperson for FIFA. UEFA, the governing body for European soccer, has spearheaded the push for Infantino’s departure, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership and even threatening to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. Several national associations, such as the English FA, have withdrawn their backing for Infantino’s re-election bid.
During the opening of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, Infantino declined to comment on his future prospects on Saturday. FIFA has issued an apology for the missteps in its contentious plan to sell World Cup profits through a commercial arm and has pledged to prevent such errors from recurring. However, these actions have not alleviated the mounting pressure on Infantino’s position.
The deadline for candidates to enter the upcoming presidential race is November 18, precisely four months before the election.