Gianni Infantino intends to stand for re-election as FIFA president in 2027, the governing body said on Sunday. The plan would amount to a bid for a fourth term, although critics and rights groups have questioned whether it should be allowed.
The statement came after Infantino declined to answer questions about his future at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. He said there would be a “right place and a right time” to discuss the issue, but that the tournament was a time to enjoy football.
Why Infantino is facing pressure
Infantino has faced criticism over a failed plan to sell private investors stakes in future profits from the World Cup and other FIFA events. The proposed structure, called FIFA Forward Enterprise, was later abandoned.
UEFA has asked a federal court in the United States for permission to obtain testimony and documents from FIFA entities in Florida. UEFA said the material could be used in a planned criminal complaint in Switzerland concerning the proposed transfer of commercial rights. FIFA has called the requests a “smear campaign” and a “fishing expedition.” For additional context, see “FIFA’s Gianni Infantino rejects allegations linked to UEFA payment”.
Key figures
- FIFA has 211 member nations eligible to vote.
- A candidate needs 106 votes to win the presidency.
- Candidates must declare their candidacy by November 18.
What the election process involves
FIFA’s presidency is limited to three four-year terms. Infantino has argued that his first period in charge, which began after his 2016 election following Sepp Blatter’s resignation, should not count because it completed an interrupted mandate.
The Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee has been asked by critics and rights groups to block Infantino’s re-election bid. His support has also weakened among some regional confederations and national associations, according to the account of the leadership challenge. A related part of this story is covered in “FIGC Ends Backing for Gianni Infantino as FIFA Pressure Grows”.
When the vote will take place
The election is scheduled for FIFA’s next congress on March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. The contest will involve all FIFA member nations.
What happens next
Potential challengers must declare their candidacy by November 18 before the election process moves toward the March 2027 congress. The development of this issue can be followed in “UEFA asks Florida court for FIFA records tied to planned Swiss complaint”.
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