FIFA Confirms Infantino Will Seek Third Presidential Term in 2027
Gianni Infantino has been confirmed as a candidate for FIFA’s presidential election in March 2027, with the governing body insisting his plan to seek a third term remains unchanged.
The confirmation arrives after Infantino abandoned a proposed sale of stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment groups. The project triggered major opposition, with UEFA warning it could withdraw from FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.
Quick facts
- Infantino has led FIFA since 2016.
- The presidential election is scheduled for March 2027.
- Potential candidates have until 18 November to submit nominations.
- A challenger needs support from at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
- Victor Montagliani, the CONCACAF president, is considered a possible opponent.
FIFA said Infantino had already declared in April that he would run again in 2027, and maintained that there had been no change to that position. It is the first formal confirmation of his intended candidacy since the dispute over the investment proposal escalated after the summer World Cup.
Relations between FIFA and UEFA have deteriorated sharply. FIFA this week accused the European governing body of mounting a campaign against Infantino and his administration during a legal challenge connected to the proposed deal.
UEFA filed documents in the United States last week seeking disclosure of FIFA evidence and records. It also indicated that a criminal complaint in Switzerland could be considered.
UEFA believes it can find a candidate to contest the election, although no rival has formally entered the race. Montagliani remains one of the names viewed as a credible option.
A no-confidence vote is no longer being pursued by UEFA. Such a move would require a statute change backed by three quarters of FIFA’s membership — 159 associations — a threshold regarded as unattainable.
What happens next: attention turns to the 18 November nomination deadline, when any challenger must show they have the required 106-member backing to take on Infantino.
