Infantino on the Brink of Another Landslide
Gianni Infantino has received formal backing from more than 200 national associations to continue as FIFA president, all but guaranteeing a fourth term at the helm of world football's governing body. The letters of support, disclosed by The Guardian, come despite a lingering scandal over a suspension reprieve for USMNT striker Folarin Balogun during the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The election, set for the FIFA Congress in March 2027, now appears a formality with fewer than ten of the 211 member associations yet to declare their support. Infantino, who succeeded Sepp Blatter in 2016, is poised to extend his reign until 2031, further entrenching his controversial tenure.
European Resistance Fades
Uefa, which runs the UEFA Champions League, has been the most vocal centre of opposition to Infantino's agenda, clashing with the president over plans for a biennial World Cup, an expanded Club World Cup and financial governance reforms. Yet even within Europe, the resistance has been muted, with only a few federations holding out – most notably Germany, whose FA has still not sent an official letter of support.
The Guardian understands that the overwhelming consensus across Africa, Asia and the Americas makes the outcome all but inevitable, regardless of any last-minute European defiance. Insiders say Infantino's use of development funds and increased World Cup slots has cemented loyalty in the global south.
Balogun Scandal Reeks of Favouritism
At the centre of the latest storm is the decision to lift a suspension on Folarin Balogun after the American forward was sanctioned for an unspecified disciplinary breach during the World Cup. The reversal prompted immediate accusations of preferential treatment, with The Guardian's sources describing the handling as opaque and lacking transparency.
FIFA has not provided a detailed explanation for the about-face, and the episode has reignited calls for greater accountability in the organisation's disciplinary processes. The controversy has fed into wider unease about governance standards under Infantino's leadership.
What the Numbers Say
Infantino's support, by the digits:
- 211 – total member associations
- 200+ – letters of endorsement received
- 1 – high-profile holdout: Germany
- 4th – term sought by Infantino, extending his rule to 15 years
Deadline for Letters Spurs Flurry
FIFA's election process requires candidates to submit letters of support from at least five member associations by a set deadline. Infantino’s team has been collecting endorsements for months, a tactic designed to project inevitability and ward off any potential challengers. The sheer volume of letters underlines his mastery of the political landscape, leaving no room for a meaningful contest.
What Happens Next
With the Congress set for Kigali, Rwanda, after a last-minute venue switch from Seoul, the coronation is likely to be a subdued affair. Infantino faces minimal administrative hurdles: FIFA's statutes were amended under his watch to adjust term limits, and no viable challenger has emerged.
Beyond the vote, Infantino must quell the disquiet over the Balogun affair and shore up relations with Uefa, which could yet flex its political muscle in other ways – from opposing future competitions to withholding support for his reforms. But for now, his grip on power looks stronger than ever.