FIFA’s President, Gianni Infantino, has confirmed his intention to run for re-election, according to the global soccer governing body’s announcement on Sunday. Infantino has been under mounting pressure following his unsuccessful proposal to sell shares in the World Cup.
Despite widespread demands for his resignation, FIFA has revealed that Infantino will vie for a fourth and final term in office until 2031. A FIFA spokesperson reiterated that Infantino had previously declared his candidacy for re-election in 2027 and that remains unchanged.
UEFA, the governing body for European soccer, has been at the forefront of the campaign calling for Infantino’s exit, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership. Several national associations, including the English FA, have withdrawn their support for Infantino’s re-election bid.
Infantino declined to comment on his future during the opening of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Saturday. FIFA has acknowledged mistakes in its controversial plan to commercialize profits from the World Cup and pledged to prevent such errors from recurring.
However, the apology has not alleviated the mounting scrutiny on Infantino’s tenure. The deadline for presidential candidates to enter the upcoming election is November 18, precisely four months before the voting.