Gianni Infantino to Seek Fourth Term as FIFA President

Gianni Infantino intends to seek another term as FIFA president in March, according to football’s global governing organization.

Infantino has held the position since 2016 but has faced mounting criticism over an abandoned proposal to sell shares in FIFA tournaments to private investment companies.

The potentially lucrative proposal triggered widespread opposition, with European football authority UEFA warning that it could boycott every FIFA tournament, including the World Cup.

In an official statement, FIFA said its president had already confirmed in April that he planned to seek re-election in 2027.

The organization added that his intentions remain unchanged and that he will enter the election.

This is the first confirmation since controversy emerged after the summer World Cup that Infantino will pursue a fourth term.

Under FIFA regulations, a president may remain in office for no more than four terms.

FIFA recently accused UEFA of conducting a campaign to damage the organization and its leadership amid a legal dispute concerning Infantino’s proposal.

UEFA filed documents in the United States last week seeking access to evidence and records held by FIFA, while warning that it may submit a criminal complaint in Switzerland.

European football officials are reportedly confident that a challenger to Infantino can be identified.

Any prospective candidate must secure support from at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.

UEFA has dropped its earlier consideration of pursuing a no-confidence vote.

Such a motion would require approval from three-quarters of the membership, equivalent to 159 votes, through an amendment to FIFA’s statutes—a threshold viewed as unattainable.

No opponent has yet been officially announced, although Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is regarded as a credible possibility.

All nominations must be filed by 18 November.

The football associations representing England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have publicly stated that they no longer support Infantino.

If the 56-year-old Swiss official wins another term, he will remain in office until 2031.