Infantino claims broad support for FIFA re-election amid dispute over abandoned plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino dismissed questions about resigning in a BBC interview released on October 24, saying the ‘vast, vast majority’ of world football supports him as he seeks re-election in March 2027. His comments come amid a dispute over an abandoned proposal to sell a share of FIFA competition rights to private investment.

Infantino told BBC Sport that he had been elected by FIFA’s 211 member associations and that different views should be heard. He argued that respecting each association’s vote also meant respecting what he called the majority view. That description of his backing is his own; the election has yet to take place.

Why FIFA officials are pressing Infantino

Infantino apologized to FIFA’s ruling council the previous week over mistakes in the proposal’s communication and consultation. European delegates remained dissatisfied with the clarity of his account, according to Global News. The BBC reported that UEFA had asked FIFA to release key documents by November 2.

Asked by the BBC when FIFA would provide the requested papers, Infantino did not give a clear date. He said the organization had to follow a legal process and was working on the answers. The documents are central to officials’ efforts to understand the rationale for the abandoned proposal.

Support and the March 2027 FIFA election

Infantino pointed to the Asian Football Confederation’s endorsement after a visit to Tokyo. Global News reported that the confederation endorsed him on October 23, following earlier criticism of the investment proposal. He also told the BBC that all African countries had endorsed him; that wider claim was attributed to Infantino in the interview.

Candidates have until November 18 to confirm a challenge for the FIFA presidency. No rival had filed at the time of the BBC’s report, leaving member associations to decide the leadership contest in March. Infantino is seeking a fourth term.