FIFA election in Rabat could provide Infantino’s biggest test yet

Gianni Infantino remains FIFA president a month after the presentation of a controversial World Cup project, but his opponents may have another chance to challenge his position when the organisation holds its presidential election next March.

The FIFA president’s rivals have so far been unable to remove the Swiss from office. A possible motion of no confidence was considered, but the focus has now shifted towards the election to decide who will lead world football’s governing body.

FIFA’s member associations will gather in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March for the congress. Infantino wants to be re-elected for a third time, although this election is expected to be more demanding than the previous two.

At both of Infantino’s earlier elections, his victory was effectively a formality because no rival candidates stood against him. That situation could change next year, with the prospect of one or more opponents entering the contest.

Candidates wishing to challenge Infantino must register by 18 November. Any potential rival will therefore have to declare their intention to stand by that deadline.

One name being discussed is Victor Montagliani, the president of CONCACAF, who is regarded by several observers as a serious potential challenger.

The election comes after UEFA made its position clear at the start of August. European football’s governing body said it would maintain its boycott of FIFA competitions if Infantino remains president of the world governing body.

That statement increased pressure on Infantino following the controversial World Cup proposal presented a month earlier. However, the proposal has not led to his removal, and the possibility of a confidence vote appears to have receded as attention turns to the presidential contest in Morocco.

Infantino’s immediate objective is to secure enough support among FIFA’s member associations to remain in office. Unlike his two previous elections, he may now have to campaign against an organised challenger, with the registration deadline representing the next key date in the process.

For now, no opponent has formally been confirmed in the source information. But Montagliani’s possible candidacy means the election could present Infantino with the first significant challenge of his presidency.