Gianni Infantino confirms bid for fourth term as Fifa president

Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election as Fifa president in March 2027 despite renewed opposition to his candidacy following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell a stake in the organisation’s competitions to private investors.

A Fifa spokesperson said on Sunday that Infantino remained committed to seeking another term, having first announced his intention to run again in April. If successful, the 56-year-old would begin a fourth term in charge of world football’s governing body.

“The Fifa president announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election,” a Fifa spokesperson said in a statement.

Infantino has come under increased pressure since a proposal to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup and other Fifa events was abandoned in July. The plan attracted widespread opposition before being scrapped, prompting calls from Uefa, the AFC and Concacaf for him to resign.

However, the Fifa president continues to have the backing of the African and South American confederations.

No rival has formally declared an intention to challenge Infantino in next year’s election, meaning he remains the only confirmed candidate at this stage.

The latest statement from Fifa followed Infantino’s refusal to discuss whether he regretted the turbulent six weeks surrounding the failed investment plan. He was speaking while attending the U-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.

“There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this,” Infantino had said.

The proposed sale of a stake in Fifa’s competitions created significant tensions within the football governing structure. The plan was intended to involve private investors, but it was ultimately withdrawn after the backlash in July.

Despite the criticism from several confederations, Infantino has retained support from Africa and South America. Fifa has not indicated any change to the election timetable, while the president’s spokesperson made clear that his intention to seek re-election remained unchanged.

Infantino became Fifa president in 2016 and has previously confirmed that he wants to continue in the role beyond his current term. The election is due to take place in March 2027.