FIFA: Gianni Infantino confirms his candidacy for a new term in 2027

Sunday 06 September 2026 - 14:01

Despite the turbulence surrounding his leadership, Gianni Infantino intends to remain at the helm of FIFA. The president of the global football body will indeed run for re-election in the vote scheduled for March 2027, a FIFA spokesperson confirmed to AFP on Sunday.

Leading the organization since 2016, the Italian-Swiss executive is preparing for a new electoral challenge in an increasingly tense context. Several international football stakeholders are now questioning certain directions taken under his presidency.

Infantino stays the course

The questions that have arisen in recent months have not changed the intentions of the FIFA president. A spokesperson for the organization reminded that Gianni Infantino had announced as early as April his intention to seek a new term.

This candidacy remains relevant, despite the growing criticism surrounding his management and several projects led by FIFA's leadership.

The March 2027 election will thus serve as a new test for the leader, who must convince member federations to renew their trust in him.

The controversial project of opening up to private investors

Infantino's candidacy comes particularly after the abandonment of a project that had sparked significant controversy in the football world: the initiative to open the organization of the World Cup more to private investors.

The project, ultimately abandoned, raised questions about FIFA's economic strategy and governance. However, its suspension has not led the president of the organization to give up his ambition to continue his term at the head of global football.

Criticism from Europe

The dissent now extends beyond observers and also affects several football institutions. UEFA, along with other confederations and national federations, has expressed criticism regarding the governance of the international body.

These tensions could weigh on Infantino's electoral campaign, even if the definitive balance of power will only be known as the election approaches.

Since taking office in 2016, the leader has profoundly influenced the evolution of FIFA, particularly in commercial and organizational aspects. His desire to remain in charge shows that he intends to continue this path despite the challenges.

An election under scrutiny

The March 2027 election is therefore expected to be closely watched. Beyond the name of the future president, the election will allow for an assessment of the level of trust Infantino still enjoys among the various components of global football.

For the leader, the challenge will be to defend his record while addressing criticisms regarding his governance. For his opponents, this election will instead be an opportunity to call for a change in FIFA's leadership.

One thing is now certain: Gianni Infantino will indeed be in the race for his own succession, despite the political crisis triggered by some of his projects and the reservations expressed by several major players in international football.