Infantino to Seek Fourth FIFA Term Amid Growing Opposition

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has formally confirmed he will stand for re-election at the FIFA Congress on March 18, 2027. A FIFA spokesperson reiterated the April announcement that “nothing has changed” and that Infantino will pursue a fourth and final term, running through 2031.

USA TodayESPNFIFA president Gianni Infantino to stand for re-election despite controversies Mirror - UKThe GuardianGianni Infantino: FIFA president confirms he will stand for re-election in March He’s not backing down: Gianni Infantino is running for reelection FIFA President Infantino to Run for Re-election Infantino to seek re-election as FIFA president in March 2027

In mid-2026 Infantino unveiled a plan to sell a 20 % stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments to private investors through FIFA Forward Enterprise. Valued at roughly $20 billion, the prospective buyer was New York-based investment firm Thrive Eternal, led by Joshua Kushner. The proposal triggered a swift outcry, with UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF withdrawing support and threatening boycotts. After intense pressure, FIFA abandoned the proposal in late July 2026.

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• 2016 – Infantino elected FIFA president.

ESPNUSA TodayGianni Infantino: FIFA president confirms he will stand for re-election in March FIFA president Gianni Infantino to stand for re-election despite controversies Mirror - UKFIFA President Infantino to Run for Re-election The GuardianThe Irish TimesNew York Post

• July 2026 – Stake-sale plan announced; backlash erupts.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Seeks Re-Election in March 2027 Despite Opposition: 18 outlets compared

• Late July 2026 – Plan scrapped after criticism.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Seeks Re-Election in March 2027 Despite Opposition: 18 outlets compared

• September 5 2026 – Infantino attends the Under-20 Women’s World Cup opening match in Katowice, Poland, and declines comment.

Reuters

• November 18 – Deadline for candidate nominations.

Al Jazeera (website)

• March 18 2027 – FIFA Congress and presidential vote in Rabat, Morocco.

Al Jazeera (website)

• FIFA comprises 211 member associations.

FIFA President Infantino to Run for Re-election

• A candidate needs a simple majority of at least 106 votes to win.

Al Jazeera (website)

• UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said UEFA has “lost confidence” in Infantino and warned of a possible boycott.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Seeks Re-Election in March 2027 Despite Opposition: 18 outlets compared

• CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani is viewed as a “serious option” and has indicated willingness to run.

The Guardian

• UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF have filed legal actions in the United States seeking discovery of FIFA documents related to the stake-sale plan and have signaled intent to lodge a criminal complaint in Switzerland.

Al Jazeera (website)

• The English FA and the Royal Belgian FA have withdrawn support, citing transparency concerns.

Belgian FA won't back Infantino's FIFA reelection, cites Balogun red card ban U-turn

• British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called Infantino “not the right man” to lead world football.

Associated Press

• “I'm very happy to be here in beautiful Poland, in Katowice, a fantastic setting for this Under-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup. It's great,” — Gianni Infantino

Reuters

• No challenger has formally announced a candidacy, leaving the field uncertain.

Al Jazeera (website)

• November 18: Candidate nominations must be submitted.

Al Jazeera (website)

• March 18 2027: FIFA Congress in Rabat will vote on the presidency.

Al Jazeera (website)

• Potential challengers include Victor Montagliani (CONCACAF) and, according to some reports, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (AFC).

USA Today

The election will determine whether Infantino’s leadership survives the fallout from the aborted commercial deal and the coordinated opposition of multiple football confederations.

USA Today