FIFA president Gianni Infantino will run for re-election in March, according to football’s global governing body.
Infantino, who has held the position since 2016, has faced criticism for abandoning plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms.
Infantino’s lucrative idea caused a global outcry, with European football’s governing body, Uefa, threatening to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
“The Fifa president announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027,” read a Fifa statement.
“Of course, nothing has changed. Mr. Infantino will be standing for re-election.”
When reporters questioned Infantino about his future at the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday, he refused to say.
It is the first time FIFA has stated that he will run for a new term since the idea was unveiled during the summer’s World Cup.
If the 56-year-old Swiss is re-elected, he will serve until 2031.
FIFA accused UEFA this week of a “smear campaign against it and its leadership” in a legal challenge to Infantino’s plan.
Last week, UEFA filed legal proceedings in the United States asking for the disclosure of evidence and records from FIFA, threatening that it may submit a criminal case in Switzerland.
As recently as mid-July, Infantino was considered a lock for re-election.
All but a few FIFA members had backed him, and he faced no significant pushback.
However, the Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland have officially withdrawn their support since Infantino’s idea was published.
According to BBC Sport, UEFA is confident in finding a candidate to challenge Infantino.
A candidate must have the support of at least 106 of the 211 FIFA member associations.
UEFA has abandoned the notion of forcing a vote of no-confidence.
It would take three-quarters of the members—159 votes—to adopt the proposal through a revision in FIFA laws, which is deemed impossible.
No candidates have been named to oppose Infantino, though Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is considered a viable option. Nominations must be submitted by November 18th.
