Gianni Infantino confirms bid for another FIFA presidential term

Gianni Infantino has confirmed he will stand for re-election as FIFA president at the organisation’s next election on 18 March next year.

Infantino, who was elected by all 211 FIFA member associations, said he continued to have strong support from football bodies around the world.

“I would first like to confirm that I am the president of FIFA, elected by 211 associations, and I remain in contact with many of them from different parts of the world, with their great support,” Infantino said in comments carried by SNTV.

“That is probably due to the great work we have done over the past years. I will stand in the election scheduled for 18 March next year.”

Infantino, who has led world football’s governing body since 2016, said his campaign programme would be focused on making the sport more accessible globally.

“As for my programme, it is very simple and clear: football for everyone and everywhere around the world,” he said. “That is the essence of what we do, and what I personally believe in as FIFA president.”

He added: “We want to provide opportunities for everyone, ensure that everybody has access to all the necessary resources, give each person a chance they may never have dreamed of to take part in and play football, and work to reduce the gap between countries and the major associations.

“That is what I will continue to work towards.”

Opposition and support

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has previously said he does not intend to stand against Infantino, despite calls for the FIFA president to resign.

An open letter from associations representing UEFA, Asia and Concacaf accused Infantino of breaking the trust of the football community and placing himself above the game.

The dispute followed an attempt to sell commercial packages connected to the World Cup. The associations said the move had been pursued quickly and without sufficient consultation in order to avoid discussion.

The Egyptian Football Association, led by Hany Abou Rida, was among six other associations to issue a joint statement supporting Infantino.

Infantino continues to have the backing of the Confederation of African Football, CONMEBOL and the Oceania Football Confederation, with New Zealand the only exception in the latter group.