Fifa Congress 2025: Key Takeaways
Gianni Infantino’s final words at the 76th Fifa congress were the least surprising of an otherwise intriguing week. The Fifa president announced his decision to seek re-election next year, a move that has been an open secret since before his previous victory in 2023. Fifa’s statutes were altered to permit such an outcome, with the governance committee ruling that his first 39 months in office did not count as he was completing Sepp Blatter’s term.
Bumper Finances
Infantino revealed that Fifa’s forecast revenues for the 2027-2030 cycle had increased to $14bn (£10.3bn). He pledged a 20% increase in financial distribution to federations over the next four years, reaching a minimum of $2.7bn. This follows the Fifa council’s agreement to increase payments to World Cup teams by at least $2m after lobbying by Uefa. Infantino stated, “Fifa’s money is your money,” reinforcing his power base.
Naive Statesman
Infantino’s attempt to engineer a handshake between Palestinian and Israeli delegates backfired. Palestinian FA president Jibril Rajoub refused to take the stage with Israeli FA vice-president Basim Sheikh Sulaiman, despite Infantino’s repeated pleas. This incident highlighted a mix of cynicism and naivety in Infantino’s approach to global conflicts.
Fifa Mission Creep
Fifa is increasingly involving itself in issues beyond its traditional remit. The council pushed through law changes, including automatic red cards for players covering their mouths while speaking to opponents. A surprise proposal would compel clubs to have one homegrown under-21 player on the pitch at all times, likely facing legal challenges from clubs and players’ unions.
Controversial Calendar Issues Paused
Fifa confirmed the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in summer, but discussions on the international match calendar beyond 2030 were postponed. The timing of the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia (January-February) and expansion of the Club World Cup to 48 teams remain contentious.
Europe on the Margins
Next year’s congress and Infantino’s re-election will be held in Rabat, Morocco, marking the first time since 2019 that the event is not in Europe. This signals a shift in global football power, with Morocco co-hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Beyond 2031
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani emphasized that Fifa’s priority should be service rather than power, contrasting with Infantino’s focus on revenue. Montagliani is seen as a credible candidate for 2031, though there are murmurs that statutes could be altered to allow Infantino a fourth term.
