Infantino eyes fourth FIFA term despite World Cup investment scheme backlash
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is increasingly likely to secure a fourth and final term unopposed next year despite mounting criticism over governance, commercial investment plans and controversial decisions at football’s global governing body.
Infantino faces renewed scrutiny at Thursday’s FIFA Council meeting in Zurich, the first since his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme plunged the organisation into controversy and triggered calls for him to step down from football leaders in Europe, North America and Asia.
The proposed scheme, which sought to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup to private investors, has intensified concerns about FIFA’s governance and financial direction.
The meeting is also expected to address a proposed $3.4 billion increase in funding for football development, governance reforms, the FFE initiative, the awarding of FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump last year and disciplinary procedures following the Folarin Balogun affair.
Despite the criticism, Infantino appears to retain considerable support, particularly in Africa, South America and Oceania, regions considered central to his political base within FIFA’s 211 member associations.
However, questions remain over the extent of his backing, with estimates suggesting he has the support of roughly half of the membership.
Senior figures in European football have reportedly considered former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as a possible surprise challenger. Wenger, however, has served as FIFA’s chief of global football development since 2019, raising questions about whether he would challenge his own boss.
Other potential candidates, including Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football president Victor Montagliani and UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin, have indicated they are not interested in contesting the presidency.
Infantino has meanwhile continued touring different regions to consolidate support ahead of the election.
The only candidate to have publicly declared an intention to run so far is former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega, although his prospects are considered limited.
Thursday’s meeting is therefore expected to test Infantino’s ability to manage internal dissent while maintaining the support needed to secure another term.
Despite the controversy surrounding his leadership, the absence of a widely supported challenger has strengthened expectations that he could be re-elected without opposition next year.
