Gianni Infantino will seek a fourth term as FIFA president despite mounting pressure on the World Cup schedule

Gianni Infantino (Image credit: FIFA) FIFA President Gianni Infantino will run for re-election next year despite growing pressure over his controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, soccer’s world governing body said on Sunday.Infantino is seeking a fourth and final term in office, which would keep him in charge of FIFA until 2031. His decision comes despite calls for him to step down from several football bodies and national associations.

Infantino confirms bid for re-election

FIFA said there was no change in Infantino’s plans to run for another term.“The FIFA president announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will stand for re-election,” a FIFA spokesman said.Infantino has been under increasing pressure after his plan to sell shares in World Cup profits through a commercial subsidiary failed.UEFA, Europe’s soccer governing body, is among Infantino’s strongest critics. She said she had lost confidence in the FIFA president and had previously threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.Several national associations also withdrew their support for Infantino’s re-election, including the English Football Association.

‘There will be a lot to say’

Infantino did not comment directly on his future when he arrived for the opening of the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Saturday.However, he said that there will be a good time to discuss the issue.“There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say it. It’s not today, it’s not here, but here and today we’re enjoying football,” he told Sky News.

Pressure on the World Cup schedule

FIFA recently apologized for mistakes it made during its controversial plan to sell World Cup profits through a commercial subsidiary.The organization also promised to “ensure that they do not happen again”.However, the apology failed to end the pressure on Infantino.The deadline for candidates to enter the next FIFA presidential election is November 18, exactly four months before the vote.If re-elected, Infantino would serve his fourth and final term as FIFA president until 2031.