FIFA president Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election next year despite growing pressure over his controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, football’s world governing body said on Sunday.Infantino is seeking a fourth and final term that would keep him in charge of FIFA until 2031. His decision comes despite calls from several football bodies and national associations for him to step down.
Infantino confirms re-election bid
FIFA said there has been no change in Infantino’s plans to run for another term.“The FIFA President announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr. Infantino will be standing for re-election,” a FIFA spokesperson said.Infantino has been under increasing pressure following the failure of his plan to sell stakes in the profits from the World Cup through a commercial subsidiary.UEFA, European football’s governing body, has been among the strongest critics of Infantino. It has said it has lost confidence in the FIFA president and had previously threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.Several national associations have also withdrawn their support for Infantino’s re-election, including the English Football Association.
‘There will be a lot to say’
Infantino did not comment directly on his future when he arrived for the opening of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Saturday.However, he said there would be a suitable time to discuss the issue.“There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this. It’s not today, it’s not here, but here and today, we are enjoying football,” he told Sky News.
Pressure over World Cup plan
FIFA recently apologised for mistakes made during its controversial plan to sell profits from the World Cup through a commercial subsidiary.The organisation also promised to “ensure they do not happen again.”However, the apology has failed to end the pressure on Infantino.The deadline for candidates to enter the next FIFA presidential election is November 18, exactly four months before the vote.If re-elected, Infantino would serve his fourth and final term as FIFA president through 2031.
