Rights group urges FIFA to block Infantino re-election bid

Human rights organization FairSquare has urged FIFA to declare Gianni Infantino ineligible for another presidential term, citing he has already served the three permitted terms under the organization’s statutes. FIFA presidents are bound by a limit of three terms in office. However, Infantino successfully argued in 2022 that his initial tenure, which began following Sepp Blatter’s resignation in 2016, should not be considered part of the limit due to its interrupted nature.

FairSquare argues this interpretation conflicts with FIFA statutes. They claim the move would set a dangerous precedent and circumvent the rule on term limits, which is a safeguard against excessive presidential power. Infantino is under increasing scrutiny ahead of the 2027-31 election cycle, set to be decided on March 18 in Morocco.

Last week, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF urged a review of Infantino’s conduct following FIFA's proposal to create a $20-billion subsidiary to attract private investment. Sources say the three confederations saw this as an opportunity for Infantino to step down with dignity. Some national associations, like Scotland’s, have also voiced opposition to his re-election.

FairSquare further questioned the 2022 ruling’s transparency, noting the committee’s reasoning was never made public. They suggest FIFA knew full well the first term could not be excluded when announcing the decision two days before the Qatar 2022 World Cup final. The letter to FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee was drafted with help from Miguel Maduro, former head of FIFA’s independent Governance and Review Committee, who emphasized the fundamental nature of term limits in the 2016 reform.