FIFA President Gianni Infantino is not backing down and has confirmed that he will seek reelection to remain at the helm of world soccer. Despite a growing wave of criticism and calls for him to step down, soccer’s governing body announced this Sunday that the Swiss leader will run in next year’s election to secure his fourth and final term, which would extend through 2031.
Pressure on Infantino has intensified dramatically in recent months, triggered mainly by his failed and controversial plan to sell shares in the World Cup through a commercial subsidiary. Although FIFA has already issued a public apology acknowledging the mistakes made in this plan and pledged to “ensure they do not happen again,” the move has failed to calm the waters on the international stage.
The strongest resistance is coming from Europe. UEFA has led the opposition, openly declaring its loss of confidence in the president and even threatening to boycott FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup itself. This stance has triggered a domino effect, leading several major national associations—such as the English Football Association (FA) and the Norwegian Football Federation—to officially withdraw their support for Infantino’s candidacy.
A FIFA spokesperson sought to put an end to the rumors this weekend, reaffirming the president’s position: “The FIFA President announced in April that he will run for reelection in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr. Infantino will run for reelection.”
For his part, the president himself opted for strategic silence. Upon his arrival at the opening ceremony of the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Saturday, Infantino dodged questions from the press. “There will be much to say, but there will be a proper time and place to say it. It’s not today, it’s not here, but here and now, we’re enjoying soccer,” he told Sky News tersely.
The political clock in Zurich has begun its countdown. Candidates wishing to challenge Gianni Infantino’s term have until November 18 to officially submit their candidacies—exactly four months before the vote determines the administrative future of global soccer.
