Infantino confirms bid for third FIFA presidential term

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed he will seek re-election for a third term in 2027, having held the role since 2016. If successful, he would remain in office until 2031. The announcement comes amid a bitter dispute with UEFA over Infantino's plan to sell equity stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin led European opposition to the plan, threatening a boycott that could include the FIFA World Cup — a dramatic threat from the continent that produces the tournament's biggest revenues. FIFA accused UEFA of waging a smear campaign against the proposal, while UEFA filed legal papers in the United States seeking evidence disclosure related to the plans.

Infantino's tenure has been marked by significant expansion of FIFA competitions, including the enlarged 48-team World Cup that debuted in 2026. Supporters credit him with opening new markets and growing football's global reach; critics argue the changes prioritise revenue over sporting integrity.

The re-election bid sets up a potentially turbulent path to the 2027 FIFA congress, with European federations yet to decide whether to unite behind an alternative candidate or accept Infantino's continued leadership of world football's governing body.