FIFA confirms Infantino’s re-election bid

FIFA president Gianni Infantino remains committed to standing for re-election amid renewed opposition to his ​candidacy after a botched plan to sell a ‌stake in FIFA competitions to private investors, a spokesperson for the global soccer body  has said.

Infantino, who had ​previously announced that he would seek a ​fourth term in March next year, has faced ⁠calls to resign from UEFA, the AFC ​and CONCACAF, after his plan to sell a 20%​stake in the World Cup and other FIFA events was scrapped amid widespread backlash in July.

But the 56-year-old retains support ​from the African and South American confederations.

“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,” a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement. 

The statement came after Infantino remained tight-lipped when asked whether he ⁠regretted the turbulent last six weeks while attending the U-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.

“There will be a lot ​to ⁠say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this,” Infantino had ⁠said.

No one has formally announced a candidacy to challenge Infantino in next year’s election.