FIFA Presidency: Infantino Cites Global Support Amid Persistent Questions
Gianni Infantino remains confident in his bid for a fourth term, despite calls for his resignation over a failed commercial rights plan.
By Tyler Khalil ·
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed questions about his future, stating that he has the full backing of football's member associations worldwide. In a BBC interview, he laughed when asked if he had considered resigning. The comments reflect a confident posture from the Swiss-Italian administrator as he seeks a fourth term.
The controversy surrounding his position stems from the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. This plan sought private investment for a new entity to control commercial rights for major competitions. Infantino abandoned the proposal, which led to calls for him to step down about three months ago. However, he now appears to be in a stronger position than he was at that time.
His re-election prospects were boosted when Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa endorsed him for a fourth term, stating that Asia was united behind Infantino. Infantino has also received backing from African countries. He told the BBC, "I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world." He added that while differing viewpoints are expected, anyone serious about democracy must respect the views of "the vast, vast majority."
The political landscape at FIFA has shifted in recent months. The Asian Football Confederation and European body UEFA, along with CONCACAF, had previously criticized the FFE proposal. However, CONCACAF became divided, and the AFC's subsequent endorsement of Infantino has left European football associations increasingly isolated. This has also exposed the lack of a viable alternative candidate for the presidency.
Infantino is seeking a fourth term that would run until 2031, with nominations due by November 18. He apologized at a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich for the handling of the FFE proposal. This gesture did not sway European football associations, including those of Germany and England. However, Infantino maintained a conciliatory tone, stating, "It's OK to disagree," but then we need to be able to move on.
He acknowledged that it is not always easy to manage differing views but said he respects all opinions. Ultimately, it will be up to FIFA's member associations to decide who they want as president and how they want FIFA to be run. The decision on his future rests with those associations as the nomination deadline approaches.
