Infantino’s presidency under threat: FIFA elections, challengers, dates

What the report says

Gianni Infantino’s hold on the FIFA presidency is facing fresh pressure, according to Al Jazeera, as support appears to be weakening among some national federations and regional confederations. The Swiss-born FIFA chief has led the organization for more than a decade and is now seeking to secure an extraordinary fourth term, even as critics object to his close alignment with prominent political leaders and his push to expand FIFA’s commercial model.

The article says the backlash intensified after Infantino abandoned a plan to invite private investors to buy into future World Cup and FIFA revenues. It also notes criticism over his public ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, including the award of FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize to Trump at the 2026 World Cup draw. Al Jazeera reports that some European nations threatened boycotts, while FIFA’s own governance watchdog has been asked to examine whether his candidacy should be blocked.

The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for the organization’s congress on March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. Candidates must declare by November 18, and a majority of the 211 member associations will decide the winner. No challenger has formally entered the race, but names being discussed include Victor Montagliani, Nasser al-Khelaifi, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and Patrice Motsepe.

Al Jazeera says Infantino still has backing from some influential blocs, including CAF, Mexico, Argentina and CONMEBOL. Separately, UEFA has said it remains committed to boycotting FIFA competitions. As background, FIFA presidents are normally limited to three terms, though Infantino has argued his first partial term should not count.