Gianni Infantino is poised to extend his FIFA presidency to 15 years, having announced on Thursday his plans to run for re-election.
Celebrating a decade in his role this past February, Infantino revealed his intention to seek another term during his closing remarks at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, aiming for re-election at next year’s congress in Rabat, Morocco, which would extend his term through 2031.
“As you’ve heard, the electoral period for the presidential election at FIFA starts today,” Infantino stated. “I am both honored and humbled to confirm to the 211 member associations that I will be a candidate for the FIFA presidency in the upcoming election.”
The 56-year-old leader took over from Sepp Blatter in 2016 and is set to run for re-election in 2027, with aspirations to lead the organization through another four-year term.
Infantino previously won re-election unopposed in both 2019 and 2023 and has overseen significant transformations in global football since taking the helm.
He has already received support for his re-election from CAF, the African Football Confederation, and CONMEBOL, South America’s football governing body.
If he secures re-election, Infantino will reach his statutory term limit of 12 years by 2031, as his initial three years did not count since he completed Blatter’s term.
Last year, Infantino earned over $6 million from FIFA, establishing himself as a prominent figure on the global stage, frequently meeting with leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who will host the 2034 World Cup.
This report incorporates information from The Associated Press and PA. ESPN writer Ed Dove also contributed.