Sports

FIFA Confirms Infantino Will Run for Fourth Term Despite Opposition

By Reuters

FIFA has confirmed that president Gianni Infantino intends to seek re-election in March, despite facing renewed opposition following a failed attempt to sell a stake in FIFA competitions to private investors. A FIFA spokesperson stated on Sunday that Infantino remains committed to his candidacy, noting that his plans have not changed since he first announced in April that he would run for a fourth term in 2027. Infantino, 56, has faced calls to resign from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF after his proposal to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup and other FIFA events was scrapped in July amid widespread criticism. However, he continues to receive support from the African and South American football confederations. When asked on Saturday, while attending the U-20 World Cup in Poland, whether he regretted the turbulent events of the past six weeks, Infantino declined to comment directly, saying, "There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this." As of now, no individual has formally announced a candidacy to challenge Infantino in next year's FIFA presidential election.