Sports 28 sources · over 8 days Latest coverage 10 Sept 2026, 10:00 am UTC

Gianni Infantino Confirms Bid for Third Term as FIFA President Amid Pressure

FIFA President Gianni Infantino will seek re-election in March 2027, despite recent controversies and mounting scrutiny over his leadership and decisions involving World Cup rights.

By Ravi Menon · First published 6 Sept 2026

In brief

  1. Gianni Infantino has confirmed he will seek re-election as FIFA president at the 2027 Congress in Morocco.
  2. FIFA officially announced Infantino's candidacy after days of speculation and his initial refusal to comment publicly.
  3. Infantino is currently the only declared candidate, but others have until November 18 to announce their intention to run.
  4. He has lost support from the French Football Federation, which cited criticism over his failed World Cup commercial rights plan.
  5. Infantino needs support from at least 106 of FIFA's 211 member nations to remain in the race.
Gianni Infantino Confirms Bid for Third Term as FIFA President Amid Pressure
Source: Sky News

Timeline · 6 moments

6 moments Open the full timeline →

Infantino avoids questions about future at U-20 Women's World Cup

Telegraaf ↗

Media reports intensify speculation over Infantino's leadership and re-election plans

Al Jazeera ↗

FIFA confirms Gianni Infantino will run for re-election in March 2027

Sky News ↗

FIFA faces internal pressure over Infantino's failed World Cup rights deal

DER SPIEGEL - Schlagzeilen – Tops ↗

Deadline for challengers set for November 18

Franceinfo ↗

French Football Federation withdraws support for Infantino

Le Monde ↗

Update 10 Sept 2026, 10:00 am UTC

The French Football Federation has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino, leaving him more isolated ahead of the 2027 FIFA election. This move follows mounting criticism over his failed commercial rights project and intensifies questions about his ability to secure enough backing.

Update 6 Sept 2026, 4:40 pm UTC

Gianni Infantino has confirmed his bid for re-election as FIFA president in 2027, with FIFA formally announcing his candidacy. He remains the only declared candidate so far, but potential challengers have until November 18 to come forward. Infantino faces ongoing criticism and controversy, particularly about his failed attempt to sell World Cup rights to private investors and broader governance issues.

How it started

Gianni Infantino has led FIFA since 2016, overseeing major tournaments and reforms. Recently, his future as president became a subject of speculation, especially after controversial moves regarding tournament rights and governance.

The situation drew attention during the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Katowice, Poland, where Infantino declined to comment on his re-election plans. His silence fueled further questions about whether he would seek another term as FIFA president.

How it unfolded

On September 5, 2026, Infantino attended the opening match of the Under-20 Women's World Cup but refused to answer questions about his future, telling reporters, "Not today, not here," as reported by several outlets.

By September 6, reports highlighted that Infantino was under pressure, particularly due to his unsuccessful attempt to sell World Cup broadcasting rights to private investors. This added to the uncertainty around his leadership.

Later that day, it was revealed that Infantino would seek re-election as FIFA president in March 2027. Multiple sources confirmed that FIFA had officially communicated his candidacy. The announcement came amid ongoing criticism and scrutiny of his recent decisions.

Infantino is now expected to face at least one challenger during the FIFA Congress in Morocco, according to reporting on the internal dynamics and upcoming election.

Where it stands

FIFA has confirmed that Gianni Infantino will run for re-election as president in March 2027. He remains under pressure from within the football community, especially concerning his handling of commercial rights and governance issues.

The upcoming election is set to be a significant moment for FIFA, as attention turns to whether Infantino can secure another term or if opposition will gain traction.

What to watch

Eyes are now on the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2027, where the presidential election will take place. It remains to be seen who will challenge Infantino and how the controversies surrounding his tenure will influence the outcome.

Written from 28 outlets' coverage of this story. Every timeline entry links to the original report.

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