FIFA reaffirms Infantino’s election bid as tensions with UEFA escalate

FIFA has confirmed that Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election as president next March, despite mounting pressure over the collapse of plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment companies.

Infantino, who has led world football’s governing body since 2016, announced in April that he intended to seek another term in 2027. FIFA has now repeated that he remains committed to standing for what would be a fourth term.

In a statement, FIFA said: “Infantino announced in April that he would stand for re-election in 2027.”

It added: “Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will stand for re-election.”

This is the first time FIFA has publicly confirmed Infantino’s intention to run again since the controversy that followed the cancellation of the investment proposal after the summer’s World Cup.

The plan, which was expected to generate significant revenue for FIFA, provoked an international backlash. UEFA, European football’s governing body, threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, in opposition to the proposal.

The dispute has since developed into a wider legal and political confrontation between FIFA and UEFA. This week, FIFA accused UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign against it and its leadership” as part of a challenge involving legal proceedings connected to Infantino’s plans.

UEFA submitted legal documents in the United States last week seeking the disclosure of evidence and documents from FIFA. It also warned that it could file a criminal complaint in Switzerland.

BBC Sport understands that UEFA is confident it can identify a candidate capable of challenging Infantino in the election. However, no alternative candidate has yet been formally named.

Victor Montagliani, president of CONCACAF, is regarded as a serious possible contender. Montagliani has not announced that he will enter the race.

Any candidate seeking to oppose Infantino must secure the backing of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations. The nominations must be submitted by 18 November.

UEFA has abandoned the idea of trying to force a vote of no confidence in Infantino. Such a proposal would require an amendment to FIFA’s statutes and support from three-quarters of the membership 159 votes making it an unrealistic option.

Infantino’s position has been under increased scrutiny since the proposed investment deal was shelved. The disagreement has also placed further strain on relations between FIFA and UEFA, which remain two of the most influential organisations in international football.

The election is due to take place next March, with Infantino so far the only declared candidate. Readers can discuss the issue and other football news in greater depth on the Kooora forums.