FIFA president Infantino will stand for re-election

FIFA president Gianni Infantino will seek re-election in March, according to a statement from the world governing body of football. Infantino has held the role since 2016 but has faced criticism following his scrapped plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms, which sparked global outrage. The plan led to UEFA threatening to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

Despite this, Infantino announced on April that he would stand for re-election in 2027, stating "nothing has changed" when asked by reporters at the Women's Under-20 World Cup in Poland. As the current FIFA president, Infantino will serve until 2031 should he be re-elected. FIFA accused UEFA of a "smear campaign" against it and its leadership, challenging the litigation over Infantino's plan.

UEFA, however, has not made an attempt to force a vote of no confidence, considering it unrealistic to require three-quarters of the members – 159 votes – for a motion through a change of FIFA statutes. No candidates have been named to challenge Infantino, but Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is seen as a potential contender. Nominations for Infantino's re-election must be submitted by November 18.