FIFA confirms Gianni Infantino will seek fourth term as president

FIFA president Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election in March, the world governing body has confirmed, despite growing pressure over his abandoned plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms.

Infantino, who has held the presidency since 2016, announced in April that he intended to seek another term in 2027. FIFA has now reiterated that position amid an escalating dispute with UEFA over the proposed investment arrangements.

“Infantino announced in April that he would stand for re-election in 2027,” FIFA said in a statement.

“Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will stand for re-election.”

The confirmation is the first time FIFA has publicly stated since the controversy that Infantino intends to pursue a fourth term. The dispute intensified after the plans, which were expected to generate significant financial returns, provoked opposition across football.

UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, in response to the proposal. The European governing body has also challenged the process through legal action in the United States.

Earlier this week, FIFA accused UEFA of conducting a “smear campaign against it and its leadership” as part of the dispute over the legal proceedings connected to Infantino’s plans.

UEFA submitted legal documents in the US last week seeking the disclosure of evidence and documents held by FIFA. It also warned that it could file a criminal complaint in Switzerland.

BBC Sport understands UEFA is confident it can find a candidate to challenge Infantino in the presidential election. However, no rival has yet been formally named, although CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is regarded as a serious possibility.

Any candidate wishing to contest the election must secure the backing of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.

UEFA has abandoned the idea of trying to force a vote of no confidence in Infantino. Such a motion would require an amendment to FIFA’s statutes and the support of three-quarters of the membership 159 votes a threshold considered unrealistic.

The deadline for submitting candidacy applications is 18 November.

Infantino’s confirmation comes as relations between FIFA and UEFA remain strained over the proposed sale of commercial interests in FIFA competitions. The plans were withdrawn after attracting widespread criticism, while UEFA’s legal challenge and opposition to Infantino’s leadership have continued.

At present, Montagliani is the only individual publicly identified as a potential challenger, but there are no confirmed alternative candidates. Infantino therefore remains the only declared candidate ahead of the deadline, with the support requirements presenting a significant hurdle for anyone seeking to oppose him.