FIFA president Gianni Infantino will contest the 2027 presidential election as he seeks to remain in charge of world football despite mounting controversy surrounding his leadership.

The 56-year-old Swiss-Italian has confirmed that he will stand for re-election at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027. Infantino had already announced his intention to seek another term at FIFA’s Congress in Vancouver in April, but the confirmation comes at a particularly turbulent period for the organisation.

The controversy surrounding the now-abandoned plan to raise billions of dollars through private investment in FIFA’s commercial operations has created a significant political divide within world football. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have all expressed opposition to Infantino’s leadership following the collapse of the proposal.

The investment plan, which reportedly involved the sale of a stake in a FIFA commercial subsidiary linked to future World Cup competitions, became one of the biggest challenges of Infantino’s presidency. UEFA has continued to push for greater scrutiny of the proposal, while FIFA has strongly defended its leadership.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his position, Infantino remains determined to seek another term. If successful, he would remain FIFA president until 2031. The election will be decided by FIFA’s 211 member associations, with a simple majority required to win.

Speaking about Infantino’s candidacy, 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 reelection.”

Oppositions Line Up for the Forthcoming FIFA Election

With the election scheduled for March 2027, potential challengers have until November 18, 2026, to submit their nominations. However, Infantino remains the only officially declared candidate at this stage, while several prominent figures have been linked with a possible challenge.

Victor Montagliani

Victor Montagliani, the 60-year-old Canadian and current CONCACAF president, is among the strongest names being discussed as a potential challenger.

Montagliani became the first non-Caribbean CONCACAF president since 1969 when he took charge of the confederation and has developed considerable influence within international football.

He has historically been regarded as an ally of Infantino, but the breakdown over FIFA’s proposed private investment plan has changed the political landscape. CONCACAF rejected the proposal, and Montagliani is now reportedly considering whether to challenge the FIFA president.

Previously, the Canadian had reportedly been expected to wait until 2031 before pursuing the FIFA presidency. Infantino’s weakening relationship with several major confederations, however, may have created an opportunity for Montagliani.

His involvement in the organisation of the 2026 World Cup has also raised his international profile and could strengthen his credentials if he decides to enter the race.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is another influential figure whose name has been linked with the FIFA presidency.

The 52-year-old Qatari businessman is one of the most powerful figures in European football. He is also closely involved in the European clubs’ leadership structure and has significant relationships across the continent.

Al-Khelaifi has supporters who believe he could be a strong candidate, but his biggest obstacle may be his own lack of interest in the position. One source has claimed that he has “absolutely no ambition, no intention, nor any interest in this role at FIFA.”

That possibility appears even less likely following the Qatar Football Association’s decision to back Infantino. As a result, Al-Khelaifi remains more of a potential name in the conversation than an active candidate.

Mattias Grafstrom

Mattias Grafstrom, the 55-year-old Swedish-Dutch FIFA secretary general, is another name being considered as a possible internal challenger.

Grafstrom occupies one of the most influential administrative positions within FIFA and is familiar with the organisation’s internal structure and operations.

His name has emerged amid the disagreement over the proposed private investment scheme, although there is currently no formal indication that he intends to challenge Infantino.

If an internal candidate eventually emerges, Grafstrom could potentially offer FIFA member associations an alternative that maintains institutional continuity while taking a different approach to the organisation’s commercial and governance strategy.

Dariusz Mioduski

Dariusz Mioduski has also emerged in recent speculation surrounding the election.

The 62-year-old Polish businessman and lawyer is president and owner of Legia Warsaw and holds a senior position within the European clubs’ organisation.

Mioduski’s name has reportedly received support from several European football associations, including Belgium, Spain, Norway, Germany and Sweden.

With UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin reportedly unwilling to run for the FIFA presidency, Mioduski could potentially emerge as a European alternative to Infantino.

However, like several of the names being discussed, he has not formally declared his candidacy. The November 18 deadline will therefore be crucial in determining which potential challengers actually enter the contest.

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

Another possible candidate is Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the president of the Asian Football Confederation and a former senior vice-president of the FIFA Council.

The Bahraini has led the AFC since 2013 and brings considerable experience within the international football administration.

The AFC has expressed solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF during the dispute over FIFA’s leadership, although its position has been viewed as less forceful than that of the European and North and Central American confederations.

Al Khalifa therefore represents another potential challenger, but it remains unclear whether the 60-year-old intends to enter the presidential race.