Gianni Infantino Announces Re-Election Bid Amid Controversy
By Editor • September 6, 2026 • 1 min read
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has officially declared his intention to seek re-election in March 2027. This announcement comes amidst significant backlash over his recent proposals involving private investments in FIFA competitions, which sparked outrage from various football organizations globally.
Infantino, who has held the presidency since 2016, faced intense scrutiny following his suggestion to sell stakes in FIFA events to private firms. The European football governing body, UEFA, even threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the prestigious World Cup, in response to these plans. In a statement, FIFA confirmed, "Of course, nothing has changed. Mr. Infantino will be standing for re-election," reinforcing his commitment to continue leading the organization.
Despite this announcement, Infantino has encountered a wave of dissent, with major football associations from England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland withdrawing their support. While FIFA members had largely backed him as recently as July, UEFA is now confident in finding a challenger for his position. A candidate must secure the endorsement of at least 106 of the 211 FIFA member associations, and while no official challengers have been named, Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is seen as a potential contender.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
