Human Rights Organization Challenges Gianni Infantino's Eligibility for FIFA Reelection

The human rights organization FairSquare has formally requested that FIFA prevent President Gianni Infantino from seeking reelection in 2027. In a letter sent to the Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee (GACC), the group argues that Infantino has already reached the three term limit established by the organization's statutes. The dispute centers on a 2022 decision by the FIFA Council to exclude Infantino's first term, which began in 2016 after the resignation of Sepp Blatter, from the total count. FIFA claimed this period merely completed a term already in progress.

FairSquare and Miguel Maduro, a former chairman of FIFA's Independent Governance and Review Committee, assert that this interpretation violates the 2016 reforms intended to prevent the excessive concentration of power. They further question the transparency of the 2022 decision, noting that the justification was never made public and was announced just two days before the 2022 World Cup final.

Infantino faces additional pressure from several football bodies. The UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and Concacaf have called for a review of his conduct following a proposal to create a 20 billion dollar subsidiary to attract private investment for competitions including the World Cup. While the Scottish Football Association has stated it will not support his reelection, Infantino maintains the support of the South American and African confederations. The next election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Morocco.