Gianni Infantino confirms bid for another FIFA term
Infantino will run in March despite questions about a third full term and fallout from contested commercial plans.
06.09.2026 15:05 (26) — Gianni Infantino has confirmed he will stand for re-election as FIFA president at the vote scheduled for March, a move that comes amid disputes over whether he may seek a third full term.
Infantino’s announcement arrives at a moment of sharp division inside global football governance, with an open rift developing between FIFA and several powerful confederations, most notably UEFA.
He has also faced mounting pressure after his abandoned plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms triggered strong criticism and calls for his resignation.
From Zurich came confirmation that Infantino is not withdrawing and that he is currently the only registered candidate. A FIFA spokesperson said the president will run "as previously announced."
BBC Sport, in a tweet posted on September 6, 2026, noted: "Infantino had been under pressure following his scrapped plans to sell stakes in Fifa competitions to private investment firms."
What lies ahead
The campaign period is likely to deepen tensions with continental bodies that object to both Infantino’s commercial proposals and the question of his eligibility for another full term. Opponents have signalled they will press procedural and legal arguments in the lead-up to the March election.
For now, Zurich’s confirmation and FIFA’s spokesperson leave Infantino as the only declared candidate. The coming months will show whether challengers emerge and how the dispute over governance and commercial strategy will shape the vote.
Photo: Football on TNT Sports @footballontnt (X)
