Gianni Infantino will seek a fourth term as FIFA president in 2027 despite continued criticism over the abandoned private investment plan.

Infantino Confirms Bid for Fourth FIFA Presidential Term

Gianni Infantino Confirms Fourth-Term Bid Amid FIFA Investment Backlash

By News Desk On Sep 7, 2026

ZURICH: (News Desk) – Gianni Infantino will seek re-election as FIFA president next March, despite facing criticism over a controversial investment proposal that was later abandoned, FIFA confirmed on Sunday.

A FIFA spokesperson said Infantino had already announced his intention to contest the 2027 election in April and that his position had not changed. If successful, the 56-year-old Swiss would remain in charge of world football until 2031.

Infantino has faced mounting pressure since the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal became public in July. The initiative sought to attract private investment into FIFA events, including the World Cup, but was subsequently shelved following strong opposition.

UEFA emerged as one of the most vocal critics of the plan, accusing Infantino of serious mismanagement and initially threatening to boycott FIFA competitions if the proposal proceeded.

Although UEFA withdrew its boycott threat on August 27, the European governing body has continued to call for Infantino to leave FIFA. It has also sought access to documents concerning the investment plan and said it could pursue legal action in Switzerland.

UEFA has received backing from CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), with the three confederations issuing a joint statement last month emphasizing that football leadership should not be treated as personal property.

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is widely regarded as the strongest potential challenger to Infantino. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, meanwhile, has ruled himself out of the race.

Infantino retains significant support elsewhere. Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup, has backed him, while the African football governing body CAF and South American confederation CONMEBOL have also expressed support.

FIFA has responded to the criticism by accusing UEFA of conducting a smear campaign and pursuing a politically motivated investigation against Infantino.

With no other candidate officially declared so far, Infantino currently stands as the sole contender. To win another term, he will need a simple majority from FIFA’s 211 member associations.

Candidates must submit their nominations by November 18, ahead of the election scheduled to take place in Rabat next March.