Gianni Infantino has reiterated his intention to stand for re-election as Fifa president in 2027, despite mounting pressure to resign over his leadership and a controversial plan to sell tournament stakes to private investors.
Infantino declined to answer questions about his future when approached by reporters at the Women's Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday. The Fifa president is under severe scrutiny after attempts to sell stakes in Fifa tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors, a scheme known as the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE).
Uefa leads calls for resignation
Uefa, the European governing body, has led calls for Infantino to step down, with additional opposition coming from the Asian confederation and Concacaf, which represents countries in North and Central America plus the Caribbean. Uefa has also initiated a legal process against Fifa, vowing to collaborate with other federations to find a credible alternative candidate should Infantino stand at the Fifa congress in March.
When the FFE scheme was first revealed, Uefa threatened to boycott major international tournaments. That threat was later withdrawn after Fifa stated it would never attempt to repeat the plan.
Fifa spokesperson confirms re-election stance
A Fifa spokesperson confirmed Infantino's position, stating: "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."
The controversy surrounding Infantino's leadership has intensified, with critics questioning his handling of governance and financial decisions. The legal challenge from Uefa represents a significant escalation in the conflict between the global and European governing bodies, and the search for an alternative candidate could reshape the leadership of world football.
Infantino's re-election bid will be formally tested at the Fifa congress in March, where member associations will vote on his future. The outcome will determine whether the embattled president retains control of the sport's global governing body amid ongoing dissent.
