Infantino to seek re-election as FIFA president despite failed World Cup sell-off plan

FIFA says president Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election in 2027, seeking a fourth and final term that would run through 2031.

Infantino has faced growing pressure over his failed plan to sell stakes in World Cup profits through a commercial subsidiary. A FIFA spokesperson said Infantino announced in April that he would seek re-election in 2027 and that nothing had changed.

UEFA has led calls for Infantino to step down, saying it has lost confidence in him and previously threatening to boycott FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup. Several national associations, including the English FA, have withdrawn their support for his re-election.

Infantino declined to comment on his future Saturday while arriving for the opening of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. He told Sky News there would be much to say at the right time and place, but that the day was for enjoying football.

FIFA apologized for errors in the controversial World Cup commercial-subsidiary plan and committed to preventing further mistakes, but the move has not eased pressure on Infantino. The deadline for candidates to enter the next presidential contest is Nov. 18, four months before the vote.