FIFA has come to the defense of Gianni Infantino following reports that several European associations are quietly plotting a challenge to his presidency.
Gianni Infantino still has at least six months left in his current position, as the next FIFA presidential election will take place at the 77th FIFA Congress on March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco.
Each of FIFA’s 211 member associations holds a single vote. A candidate requires a two-thirds majority in the first round or a simple majority in subsequent rounds to win.
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In office since February 2016, Gianni Infantino has served over a decade as FIFA President. His only contested election was in 2016, where he beat Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa (115–88 votes in round two), and then ran unopposed in 2019 and 2023.
However, UEFA have other plans for the upcoming election.
FIFA believes Gianni Infantino deserves a lot of credit
Several European federations, including Germany, Spain, and Norway, are actively discussing backing a candidate to challenge Gianni Infantino.
With a November 18 deadline to submit nominations, UEFA members hope a contender can spark debate over governance, despite Infantino’s massive global backing.
However, a senior FIFA source is relaxed about the situation when talking to TalkSPORT.
“Ultimately, Gianni is elected by the associations and he’s doing what he can to ensure the best football is played and the greatest level of investment in the game for the future.
“Look at what’s happened on the pitch. That alone supports why it was the right decision to expand this tournament. He’s supported by well over 200 associations around the world. Is that so bad? His efforts are appreciated by the overwhelming majority of world football, who elect him, and nobody can argue with the financial and sporting facts. This has been an extraordinary World Cup on so many fronts.”
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