FIFA President Gianni Infantino will run for re‑election in March, the world governing body of football has announced.
Infantino, who has held the position since 2016, faces mounting pressure after his plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors was abandoned.
The proposal, seen as lucrative, provoked a worldwide backlash, prompting UEFA, Europe’s governing body, to threaten a boycott of all FIFA events, including the World Cup.
“The FIFA president declared in April that he would stand for re‑election in 2027,” the organisation said in a statement.
“Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re‑election,” the statement added.
This marks the first time FIFA has confirmed his candidacy for a fourth term amid the scandal that erupted after the summer World Cup.
FIFA accused UEFA this week of a “smear campaign against it and its leadership,” amid ongoing litigation concerning Infantino’s plan.
UEFA filed legal papers in the United States last week, seeking disclosure of evidence and documents from FIFA and warning it could pursue a criminal complaint in Switzerland.
BBC Sport understands UEFA is confident that a challenger can be fielded against Infantino.
Any opposing candidate must secure support from at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
UEFA has abandoned attempts to force a motion of no confidence.
Such a motion would require the backing of three‑quarters of members—159 votes—to amend FIFA statutes, a threshold deemed unrealistic.
No challenger has been formally nominated, though Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is regarded as a serious contender.
Nominations must be submitted by 18 November.
