FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to stand for re-election

Fifa president Gianni Infantino intends to seek re-election in March 2027, according to the global football governing body. Infantino has been in the role since 2016 but has faced criticism following his scrapped plan to sell shares in FIFA competitions to private investors. This proposal led to widespread backlash, with European football's governing body Uefa threatening to boycott all FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.

Infantino confirmed his intent to run for re-election in April, stating, "Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election." This is the first time FIFA has officially announced his candidacy for a fourth term since the controversy surrounding his plan began. FIFA has accused Uefa of launching a smear campaign against it and its leadership in response to the legal action taken in the US.

Uefa has filed a lawsuit requesting disclosure of evidence and documents from FIFA, threatening to file a criminal complaint in Switzerland if the information is not provided. Uefa believes that a suitable candidate can challenge Infantino, and a challenger must garner support from at least 106 of the 211 FIFA member associations.

However, Uefa has dropped the idea of pushing for a vote of no confidence, which would necessitate a majority of 159 votes due to the impracticality of amending FIFA's statutes. No challengers have been named yet, although Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is seen as a potential contender. Nomination deadlines are set for November 18.