Gianni Infantino Confirms Candidacy for 2027 FIFA Presidency

FIFA has confirmed that President Gianni Infantino will run for reelection in March 2027. A FIFA spokesperson stated that Infantino first announced his intention to run for a fourth and final term in April and that nothing has changed regarding that decision. If reelected, the 56 year old Swiss leader will serve as the head of world soccer until 2031.

The announcement comes amid significant backlash over a now abandoned plan known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise, which proposed bringing private investment into FIFA events including the World Cup. UEFA has accused Infantino of criminal mismanagement regarding the scheme and has filed requests in the United States for the disclosure of related documents. UEFA, along with the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, has called for Infantino to depart from his role. In response, FIFA has characterized these actions as a smear campaign and a fishing expedition.

While UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin has ruled himself out of the race, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani is viewed as the most likely challenger. Conversely, Infantino maintains support from the African soccer governing body CAF, South America's CONMEBOL, and Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup.

Candidate nominations must be submitted by November 18. The election will take place in Rabat, where Infantino will need a simple majority of votes from the 211 affiliated federations to extend his term.