FIFA Says Gianni Infantino Will Seek Re-Election in 2027

FIFA has confirmed that president Gianni Infantino intends to seek re-election in 2027, even as he faces calls to leave office over a proposed sale of stakes in the governing body's tournaments. The Guardian, reporting with agencies, said FIFA reiterated the position on Sunday after Infantino declined to answer questions about his future at the Women's Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.

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A FIFA spokesperson said Infantino had announced in April that he would run again and that his position had not changed. The Swiss administrator, 56, has led world football's governing body since 2016. FIFA described the coming campaign as his bid for a fourth and final term. If re-elected, he would remain president through 2031.

The renewed confirmation comes amid opposition to a plan that sought private investment in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. That proposal has since been scrapped. UEFA has led calls for Infantino to step down, while opposition has also come from the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, the body representing North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Support for Infantino is not uniform across the regional confederations. Saudi Arabia, which will host the men's World Cup in 2034, backed him last month. The Confederation of African Football and South American governing body Conmebol have also expressed support, according to The Guardian's report.

Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is widely regarded as the likeliest potential challenger, although he has not declared a candidacy. Montagliani is also a FIFA vice-president and was previously considered a close Infantino ally. The report noted that he distanced himself from the abandoned plan to bring private investment into World Cups.

Infantino remains the only declared candidate for the election, which is scheduled for March 2027. To win another term, he would need a simple majority of votes from FIFA's 211 affiliated national federations. The deadline for candidates to submit nominations is November 18, leaving time for the field and the balance of support to change before the vote.