Infantino confirms bid for fourth Fifa term amid Uefa dispute

Fifa president Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election in March 2027, the governing body has confirmed, opening the contest for a fourth term after leading the organisation since 2016.

Fifa said Infantino had announced in April that he would seek re-election and that “nothing has changed”. The confirmation follows pressure over his scrapped proposal to sell stakes in Fifa competitions to private investment firms.

The proposal prompted opposition from European football’s governing body, Uefa, which threatened to boycott Fifa competitions, including the World Cup. Uefa has since filed legal papers in the United States seeking disclosure of evidence and documents from Fifa, and warned it could lodge a criminal complaint in Switzerland.

Fifa has accused Uefa of conducting a “smear campaign” against the organisation and its leadership. The dispute has placed scrutiny on the governing body’s commercial plans and internal accountability as the election approaches.

BBC Sport reports that Uefa is confident an opposing candidate can be found, although no challenger has been formally announced. Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is considered a possible option.

A candidate must secure the backing of at least 106 of Fifa’s 211 member associations. Uefa has abandoned an attempt to force a no-confidence vote, which would require 159 votes and is considered unrealistic. Nominations must be submitted by 18 November.