In the midst of one of the most tense stages since he took over the leadership of the FIFA, Gianni Infantino remains steadfast in his intention to continue at the helm of the organization. His candidacy for the 2027 elections was confirmed this Sunday by a spokesperson, despite the strong opposition that has emerged from various confederations in recent weeks.
"The president of FIFA announced in April that he will run for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr. Infantino will run for re-election", stated the spokesperson for the entity, thus dispelling any speculation about a possible change of stance from the Swiss leader.
Infantino will run for re-election in FIFA
The confirmation came a day after Infantino avoided publicly commenting on his future when asked in Poland during his presence at the Under-20 Women's World Cup. "There will be much to say, but there will be a right place and time to do so. It is not today, nor is it here", he responded then.
The scenario that the president of FIFA will have to face is not simple. In recent months, his FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project to transfer a share of the revenues from some competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors has generated a strong reaction within international football. The initiative contemplated selling up to 20% of those rights, but ultimately was discarded due to the opposition it provoked.
The UEFA became one of the main critics of the proposal and even called for Infantino's departure. The European confederation also threatened to boycott events organized by FIFA and is considering legal actions regarding the project, while the governing body of world football accused its detractors of conducting a "smear campaign".
UEFA is the main opponent of Infantino
The opposing stance also extended to other regions. The AFC (Asia) and the CONCACAF (North America, Central America, and the Caribbean) expressed their rejection of the current president. On the other side, the CAF (Africa) and the CONMEBOL (South America) reported that they continue to support him.
Despite the dispute, Infantino maintains a favorable position heading into the elections. So far, no official candidate has emerged willing to challenge him, although UEFA intends to work with other confederations to promote an alternative. Aleksander Čeferin, president of the European entity, has already clarified that he will not be the one to compete for the position.
The elections are scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. Candidates will have until November 18 to formalize their candidacies and, to secure the presidency, they must obtain a simple majority among the 211 member associations of FIFA.
Infantino is currently the only confirmed candidate for the March elections
Infantino, who took office in 2016, did not have to face a competitive election in 2019 or 2023 because he was the only candidate on both occasions. Therefore, the next vote could become the first with real competition since his arrival at the helm of the organization.
