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77th FIFA Congress

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2027 FIFA presidential election
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18 March 2027
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Candidate Gianni Infantino
Home state Switzerland Switzerland[a]
Incumbent president

Gianni Infantino


The 77th FIFA Congress will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March 2027, where the FIFA presidential election will take place.[1] Incumbent FIFA President Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election for a fourth term.

Following the collapse of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, Infantino faced increasing opposition to his re-election bid, with several European football associations withdrawing their support over concerns regarding FIFA's governance, transparency, leadership and the proposed commercial structure. However, a number of associations, particularly in Asia and Africa, continued to support his leadership.[2]

Background

Election campaign

On 30 April 2026, during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, incumbent FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that he would seek a fourth term in office.[3]

Infantino's early opposition

In November 2022, the Danish Football Association announced that it would not support Infantino's re-election as FIFA president, following the controversy over the OneLove armband during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. DBU president Jesper Møller said that Denmark would not support Infantino if he remained the only candidate, criticizing FIFA's decision to threaten players with yellow cards for wearing the anti-discrimination armband.[4] On 15 July 2026, it was reported that Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association, had declined to sign a letter endorsing Infantino's re-election campaign.[5] On 21 July, Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish football league (La Liga), accused FIFA and Infantino of governing world football according to their own interests and called for Infantino to resign.[6]

FIFA Forward Enterprise controversy and challenges to Infantino

The failure of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal in July 2026 led to increased speculation that Infantino's re-election, previously considered likely, was no longer assured.[7] Prince Ali bin Hussein, President of the Jordan Football Association, called for the abolition of secret voting in FIFA presidential elections, arguing that greater transparency was needed to address what he described as a crisis in football leadership.[8]

European associations withdraw support

On 30 July 2026, the Football Association of Finland withdrew its backing for Gianni Infantino's re-election campaign as FIFA president after its board reassessed its previous decision to support his continuation in office, citing concerns over FIFA's governance, transparency, decision-making processes, and the proposed establishment of a new corporate structure to manage FIFA World Cup commercial rights.[9] On 3 August, the Football Association of Wales announced its withdrawal of support for Infantino's re-election, referring to wider issues of governance, leadership, and stakeholder management.[10] Later the same day, the Football Association of Serbia and the Swedish Football Association also withdrew their support for Infantino's candidacy, citing governance, transparency and leadership concerns.[11] On 4 August, Prince Ali accused Infantino of "blackmail", alleging that FIFA had refused to assist the Jordan Football Association with issues relating to supporter visas, U.S. taxation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and delayed prize money from the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup unless the association endorsed Infantino's re-election campaign. Prince Ali said the Jordan Football Association rejected the alleged pressure and would not support Infantino's candidacy.[12] On the same day, the Hellenic Football Federation wrote to FIFA to withdraw its support to Infantino's reelection bid.[13]

On 6 August, the Football Association (FA) formally withdrew its support for Infantino's re-election, despite FIFA reaffirming its support for his leadership following a crisis meeting in Morocco.[14] On 7 August, the Norwegian Football Federation called for Infantino to resign as FIFA president, with president Lise Klaveness saying the federation had lost trust in his leadership and that there was "no way back" for him.[15] The opposition to Infantino had also spread beyond the associations that had formally withdrawn their support. Croatia, Albania and Romania had likewise withdrawn or suspended their backing, or otherwise indicated that they had lost confidence in Infantino's leadership.[16] The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) withdrew its support for Infantino, citing concerns over governance, transparency and inadequate consultation.[17] On 14 August, New Zealand Football withdrew its support for Infantino's re-election, citing concerns over FIFA's governance and calling for an independent review.[18]

Associations supporting Infantino

In contrast, several associations reaffirmed their support for Infantino following FIFA's withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise structure. The Qatar Football Association welcomed the decision, saying it preserved unity among FIFA member associations, and reaffirmed its support for Infantino.[19] The United Arab Emirates Football Association and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation also welcomed the withdrawal of the proposal and expressed continued support for Infantino's leadership.[20][21]

The Djiboutian Football Federation and the Egyptian Football Association also backed Infantino, with the latter describing FIFA's decision as a sign of commitment to dialogue and unity among member associations.[22][23] Support for Infantino was also reported from associations including Kuwait, Sri Lanka and Lebanon, while smaller member associations such as Bhutan and Vanuatu were identified as potential allies due to their reliance on FIFA development funding.[24][25] Indonesia, the Philippines, Mauritania, Niger and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were among the countries reported to have expressed support for Infantino.[26][27]

The Argentine Football Association (AFA),[28] Mexican Football Federation (FMF),[29] and Confederation of African Football (CAF) all backed Gianni Infantino's leadership, expressing continued support for his presidency while emphasizing governance, transparency, and institutional processes.[30] Other African football associations reported as supporting Infantino included Nigeria, Comoros, Malawi, Uganda and Gambia, while Paraguay and Mongolia also expressed support for his leadership.[16][31] On 13 August, the football associations of Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon and Sudan issued a joint statement expressing "full support" for Infantino and confidence in his leadership.[32]

Calls for alternative leadership

On 4 August 2026, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter backed Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation, to succeed Gianni Infantino as FIFA president, stating that she "deserves the utmost respect" and arguing that "the time is right for a woman to take the lead" at FIFA.[33]

Election

Candidates

The deadline for candidates to submit their nominations, supported by at least five member associations, is 18 November 2026 at 23:59 CET (22:59 GMT).[34]

Declared

  • Italy/Switzerland/Lebanon Gianni Infantino – Incumbent FIFA president. Announced his candidacy for a fourth term on 30 April 2026 during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.[3]

Exploring

  • Canada Victor Montagliani – Canadian businessman and incumbent CONCACAF president. He is actively considering a run and is reportedly preparing to announce his candidacy.[35]

Potential

  • Bahrain Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa – President of the AFC. Has been identified as a potential candidate following growing tensions between the AFC and Infantino over FIFA's governance and decision-making processes. Salman criticised FIFA's lack of consultation with member associations as "totally unacceptable", while the AFC called for an "urgent review" of the organisation's governance. He previously contested the FIFA presidency at the 2016 FIFA Extraordinary Congress, finishing second to Infantino.[37]
  • Sweden/Netherlands Mattias Grafström – FIFA Secretary General. Reportedly has become increasingly disillusioned with Infantino and has distanced himself from the FIFA Forward Enterprise project. He is reportedly considering a challenge to Infantino's leadership.[38]

Declined

  • South Africa Patrice Motsepe – President of CAF (endorsed Infantino). Declined to run, stating that "Infantino is loyal to Africa".[40]
  • Qatar Nasser Al-Khelaifi – Qatari businessman and owner of Paris Saint-Germain FC. Had been mentioned as a potential candidate and was reportedly backed by several UEFA member associations.[41] He subsequently ruled himself out, stating that he had "absolutely no ambition, no intention, and no interest" in running.[42]

Notes

  1. ↑ Infantino also holds Italian and Lebanese citizenship.

References

  1. ↑ "Morocco Officially Set to Host FIFA's 2027 Congress". Morocco World News. May 2026. Retrieved 7 July 2026.
  2. ↑ Harding, Jonathan (3 August 2026). "What happens next for Infantino and FIFA?". DW.
  3. 1 2 "FIFA President Gianni Infantino tells 76th FIFA Congress he will stand for re-election in 2027". FIFA. 1 May 2026.
  4. ↑ "Denmark won't support Infantino's re-election amid armband controversy". Euronews. 24 November 2022.
  5. ↑ "German FA refuses to endorse Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president amid growing scrutiny | Goal.com". www.goal.com. 15 July 2026.
  6. ↑ "Gianni Infantino: La Liga's Javier Tebas says it is Fifa president's 'time to go'". BBC Sport. 21 July 2026.
  7. ↑ Stone, Simon (31 July 2026). "Infantino on the brink? Who might replace him if he goes?". BBC Sport.
  8. ↑ "Prince Ali Calls for Abolishment of Secret Voting in FIFA Presidential Elections". Khaberni. 1 August 2026.
  9. ↑ "Palloliitto vetää tukensa Gianni Infantinon jatkokaudelta FIFAn presidenttinä" [The Football Association withdraws its support for Gianni Infantino's further term as FIFA President] (in Finnish). Football Association of Finland. 30 July 2026. Retrieved 4 August 2026.
  10. ↑ "Wales first nation to withdraw support for Infantino". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
  11. ↑ "Serbia, Sweden follow Wales in withdrawing support for Infantino re-election". Reuters. 3 August 2026.
  12. ↑ Wiseman, Ciaran (4 August 2026). "Gianni Infantino accused of 'blackmail' in damning statement from president of Jordan FA". talkSPORT.
  13. ↑ "Greek soccer federation pulls support for FIFA's embattled chief". www.ekathimerini.com. 4 August 2026. Retrieved 5 August 2026.
  14. ↑ Castle, Will (6 August 2026). "English FA send letter withdrawing support for Gianni Infantino despite apology". The Independent.
  15. ↑ Robson, James (7 August 2026). "Norway's soccer federation calls on Gianni Infantino to resign over failed World Cup plan". AP News.
  16. 1 2 Castle, Will (7 August 2026). "Who is supporting Gianni Infantino? Every country's stance on Fifa president crisis". The Independent.
  17. ↑ Mohan, David (13 August 2026). "FAI withdraws Infantino support as IFA backs Uefa". BBC Sport.
  18. ↑ "New Zealand Football Withdraws Support For FIFA Presidential Candidature And Calls For An Independent Review". New Zealand Football. 14 August 2026.
  19. ↑ "Press Release". Qatar Football Association. 1 August 2026. Archived from the original on 1 August 2026. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  20. ↑ Coutinho, Aurelius (3 August 2026). "UAE offers support to Gianni Infantino's FIFA leadership". Arabian Business.
  21. ↑ Bouaichi, Chaimae (1 August 2026). "Lekjaa Welcomes Infantino's FIFA Forward Proposal Withdrawal". Morocco World News. Archived from the original on 1 August 2026. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  22. ↑ Bossa, Saturnin (2 August 2026). "Soutien à Infantino : des fédérations africaines publient des communiqués quasi identiques" (in French). La Nouvelle Tribune.
  23. ↑ "EFA backs Infantino after withdrawal of FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal". Ahram Online. 2 August 2026.
  24. ↑ Sharaf Eldeen, Muhammad (2 August 2026). "Arab and African support boosts Infantino's hopes in the face of the European campaign". Goal.com.
  25. ↑ Ransom, Ian (3 August 2026). "Small nations hold big cards as FIFA chief Infantino scrambles for support". Reuters.
  26. ↑ Gleeson, Mark (4 August 2026). "Infantino gets backing from leading African football administrators". Reuters.
  27. ↑ "FIFA apologises for World Cup sell-off plan and pledges support for Infantino". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 6 August 2026.
  28. ↑ "Respaldo a la gestión realizada los últimos 10 años por Gianni Infantino en la FIFA" (in Spanish). Argentine Football Association. 6 August 2026.
  29. ↑ Ibáñez, Marifer (6 August 2026). "Federación Mexicana de Futbol respalda a Gianni Infantino en medio de crisis de FIFA" (in Spanish). ABC Noticias.
  30. ↑ "CAF Executive Committee ("EXCO") Media Statement". CAF Online. 6 August 2026.
  31. ↑ McArthur, Tom (7 August 2026). "Does Africa still back Infantino as Fifa president?". BBC News.
  32. ↑ Douglas, Steve (13 August 2026). "FIFA chief Infantino receives support from 6 Arab federations amid revolt over World Cup plan". Associated Press.
  33. ↑ Stroud, James (4 August 2026). "Sepp Blatter Names Person That Should Replace Gianni Infantino as FIFA President". GiveMeSport. Retrieved 5 August 2026.
  34. ↑ "Circular no. 1962: FIFA Presidential Election 2027 – Call for Election" (PDF). FIFA. 2026. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  35. ↑ Hall, Pete (31 July 2026). "Canadian football chief prepares to run against Infantino in Fifa election". The i Paper. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  36. ↑ "Polish club owner could run against Infantino for the FIFA presidency | Flashscore.com". www.flashscore.com. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  37. ↑ "'Infantino out' - but who could challenge for Fifa presidency?". The Independent. 31 July 2026. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  38. ↑ Boin, Adriano (31 July 2026). "Uprising at FIFA: Infantino faces the threat of removal by his closest ally, Mattias Grafström". MARCA. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  39. ↑ Ben Jacobs (14 July 2026). "Shortlist of potential FIFA president candidates as walls close in on Infantino". talkSPORT. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  40. ↑ Nick Said (22 July 2026). "South African Billionaire Patrice Motsepe On CAF Exit And Supporting Infantino Who's 'Loyal To Africa'".
  41. ↑ IBK, Ibrahim (14 July 2026). "Nasser Al-Khelaïfi Emerges as FIFA President Candidate". Africa Top Sports - #1 African Sports News. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  42. ↑ Dalleres, Frank (31 July 2026). "Fifa crisis: Uefa exec Nasser Al-Khelaifi 'not interested' in ousting Infantino". City AM. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
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