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Infantino faces leadership test ahead of March FIFA election

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 6, 2026, 5:54 PM

Last updated Oct 6, 2026

Infantino faces leadership test ahead of March FIFA election

Summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is campaigning globally ahead of the March 2027 election, facing significant challenges due to backlash against his previously proposed private investment plan for World Cup rights. As of now, 87 of the 211 member federations have expressed support for Infantino, while 49 have publicly opposed him, primarily from Europe. The upcoming vote is pivotal, as Infantino has never lost an election in his tenure. The November 18 deadline for potential challengers looms, with UEFA indicating plans to nominate a rival candidate, intensifying the political within FIFA.

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By the Numbers

•March 2027 election to decide FIFA leadership until 2031.
•Infantino faces largest crisis since becoming president in 2016.
•87 federations support Infantino; 49 oppose him.
•European opposition led by UEFA is preparing to nominate a challenger.
•November 18 is the deadline for new candidates to enter the race.

Latest Updates

5:54 PMYahoo Sports — Infantino’s World Cup investment plan fallout reshapes the March FIFA vote

What they're saying

"
GENEVA (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino already is in globe-trotting campaign mode more than five months ahead of the vote when 211 member federations decide who will lead the world soccer body until 2031.The March election comes as Infantino faces the biggest leadership crisis since he took office in 2016, triggered by backlash against his now-withdrawn plan to sell private investors a stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments.
— Yahoo Sportsby GRAHAM DUNBAR

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