FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that he will stand for re-election in 2027 despite growing criticism of his leadership and the threat of potential legal proceedings.
A FIFA spokesperson said on Sunday that Infantino had not changed his plans to seek another term, following questions about his political future at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
The confirmation came a day after Infantino declined to answer questions about his future when he attended the opening match of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
Infantino was in the stands alongside Polish Football Federation President Cezary Kulesza as hosts Poland faced Argentina at the Arena Katowice.
Speaking to Sky News outside the stadium, Infantino said there would be an appropriate time to discuss the issue but insisted that the focus at the tournament should remain on football.
“There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this. It’s not today, it’s not here, but here and today, we are enjoying football,” he said.
He did not respond when asked whether he had considered resigning or whether he remained committed to seeking a fourth term.
Infantino has been one of the most influential figures in world football since becoming FIFA president in 2016.
However, his position has come under increasing pressure, with criticism from several football associations and regional confederations over his leadership and commercial plans.
One of the biggest controversies has centred on his proposal to bring private investors into future revenues generated by FIFA competitions.
The plan involved transferring commercial rights connected to the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup into a new subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise. The proposal was later abandoned following widespread opposition.
Also Read: FIFA accuses UEFA of ‘smear campaign’ over Infantino
The proposed investment group was led by American businessman Joshua Kushner, who is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.
Infantino has also faced criticism over his close relationship with Trump, particularly after presenting the US president with FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, DC.
Infantino’s position has faced another challenge from UEFA, which has taken steps that could lead to criminal proceedings in Switzerland.
UEFA recently asked a federal court in the United States for permission to obtain testimony and documents from FIFA entities in Florida for possible use in a planned criminal complaint.
The European governing body said it was considering proceedings against Infantino and potentially other FIFA officials and advisers over the abandoned World Cup commercial-rights plan.
FIFA has strongly rejected the allegations, accusing UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign” against Infantino and its leadership.
FIFA also argued that UEFA was engaged in a “fishing expedition” because no criminal proceedings had yet been initiated in Switzerland or elsewhere.
Infantino’s bid for another term has also raised questions over FIFA’s presidential term limits. FIFA presidents are officially limited to three four-year terms. However, Infantino successfully argued in 2022 that his initial period in office should not count toward the limit because he had taken over an interrupted mandate following Sepp Blatter’s departure.
Critics and rights groups have challenged that interpretation and called on FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee to prevent Infantino from seeking another term.
Despite the controversy, FIFA has confirmed that the 56-year-old remains committed to contesting the 2027 election.
The election will take place at FIFA’s Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027. Potential challengers must declare their candidacies by November 18, 2026.
The election will involve all 211 FIFA member associations, with a candidate needing at least 106 votes to secure the presidency.
Al Jazeera
