FIFA President Gianni Infantino, 56, is preparing to contest the new race for the leadership of world football's governing body.
Infantino faces pressure from several continental federations and member countries, amid controversy triggered by a special investment plan announced by FIFA and subsequently withdrawn. According to media reports, Infantino is expected to run for re-election in 2027, following his earlier announcement of his intention to compete in the new leadership contest.
FIFA confirmed in a statement reported by several media outlets that Infantino's position has not changed. "The FIFA President announced in April that he would run for re-election in 2027. Of course nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will run for a new term of leadership," the statement said.
The announcement of his candidacy coincides with pressure Infantino has faced since first being elected on 26 February 2016, regarding a special investment plan unveiled by FIFA in late July that sparked widespread controversy in football circles. The plan would have allowed outside investors to buy shares in a subsidiary company named "FIFA Forward Enterprise" or "FFE", before FIFA subsequently withdrew the proposal.
The initiative triggered a wave of opposition in the football world, with critics accusing FIFA of trying to "sell off" the sport. The controversy over the plan quickly had an impact on Infantino's own future, with divisions emerging in the football world over the continuation of his leadership of FIFA. The positions of regional federations and member nations varied between those supporting the continuation of his tenure and those demanding his removal from the helm of the international organisation.
In August, European nations withdrew their threats to boycott FIFA competitions after the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced it had received "assurances" that the FFE plan was "withdrawn permanently and finally", and "will not reappear in any other form, structure, name, or format whatsoever". Despite the plan being withdrawn, UEFA has continued to pressure for Infantino's removal from FIFA's leadership.
Infantino settled his position regarding the upcoming election when he addressed the 76th FIFA Congress, held in Vancouver, Canada, earlier this year. Infantino told the delegates: "I want to tell you first, you 211 FIFA member federations, that I will be a candidate in the FIFA presidential election next year." He added: "Thank you for your support over the last ten years, for your support today, for your hard work and progress, for your love of the sport, and your commitment and passion."
The next FIFA leadership election is scheduled to take place during the 77th FIFA Congress, planned to be held on Thursday, 18 March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco.
Previously, United States President Donald Trump announced his support for Infantino, saying that disregarding him would be a "fatal mistake". Trump said FIFA would not achieve the same level of success and profitability without Infantino leading it, while adding: "He is extraordinary, he has overseen the most successful World Cup of all time, by a margin of about four times. If he goes, the tournament will not be as successful or profitable as before."
