Gianni Infantino set to run for re-election as Fifa insists ‘nothing has changed’

Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed his intention to seek re-election as Fifa president, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding his governance.

He is facing severe pressure to resign after attempting to sell stakes in Fifa tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors.

European governing body Uefa has spearheaded calls for Infantino to step down, with further opposition coming from the Asian confederation and the organisation representing countries in North and Central America plus the Caribbean.

A Fifa spokesperson said: "The Fifa president announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election."

Uefa has vowed to work together with other federations to identify a credible alternative candidate should Infantino stand at the Fifa congress in March.

The news of Infantino’s desire to stand for re-election comes after he refused to answer questions from journalists concerning his future when asked at the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.

Infantino observed from the stands alongside Polish soccer federation president Cezary Kulesza as host nation Poland played Argentina on the tournament’s opening day.

"There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this. It’s not today, it’s not here, but here and today, we are enjoying football," Infantino told broadcaster Sky News as he arrived at the stadium.

"We are continuing at Fifa, of course, to work to give every corner of the world a chance, an opportunity, a dignity, to find ways and means for them to become better and to participate and to celebrate football, which we all love."

Infantino declined to answer when asked whether he had considered resigning or if he still intends to seek a fourth term next year.

He had largely kept out of the public eye in recent weeks after his World Cup sell-off scheme collapsed amid resistance from several Fifa member associations and key internal figures.

European nations — making up a quarter of the 24-team tournament — backed away from a threat to boycott last week, following assurances from Fifa that the plan would not be resurrected.

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