Under-fire Gianni Infantino will still stand for re-election as FIFA president

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed his intention to seek re-election in March, despite facing mounting pressure. Three major confederations, Concacaf, UEFA, and the AFC, have expressed concerns over his leadership, raising questions about his ability to continue in the role. However, some nations within those confederations have shown their backing for Infantino.

The FIFA president had previously announced his candidacy for a fourth term in 2027, and these plans remain unchanged despite the pressure. A FIFA spokesperson stated that Infantino will indeed be running for re-election, with the 77th FIFA Congress scheduled to take place on March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. At this congress, the presidential election will be held as Infantino seeks his fourth and final term.

As recently as July, Infantino's re-election appeared to be a foregone conclusion, with the Guardian reporting that he had garnered support from over 200 out of 211 member associations. However, the possibility of a contested election now seems more likely. Potential challengers to Infantino's presidency include Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa. To run for FIFA president, candidates must declare their intent by November 18.