FIFA confirmed this week that president Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election in March, ending weeks of uncertainty about his political future following a fierce dispute with European football's governing body.
"The Fifa president announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027," a FIFA statement read. "Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election."
Infantino, who has held the position since 2016, came under pressure after announcing a plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms, according to BBC Sport. The proposal triggered a sharp response from UEFA, which threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
The dispute has since escalated. FIFA accused UEFA of a "smear campaign against it and its leadership." Last week, UEFA filed legal papers in the United States requesting disclosure of evidence and documents from FIFA and warned it could lodge a criminal complaint in Switzerland.
Infantino declined to answer questions about his future when reporters asked him at the Women's Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.
As recently as mid-July, re-election appeared certain. All but a handful of FIFA's 211 member associations had endorsed him, and no meaningful challenger had emerged. That changed quickly after the private investment plan was announced. The Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland are among those that have since withdrawn their support.
UEFA has abandoned the idea of pursuing a vote of no confidence, which would require three-quarters of members, or 159 votes, to pass through a change of FIFA statutes. Instead, BBC Sport reports that UEFA is confident a candidate can be found to run against Infantino.
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is considered a serious potential challenger, though no candidates have formally declared. A candidate must receive the backing of at least 106 of the 211 FIFA member associations. Should Infantino win a fourth term, he would serve until 2031. FIFA rules cap a president at four terms total.
Nominations must be submitted by November 18.
