Infantino could secure re-election as critics struggle to find challenger

Gianni Infantino could secure re-election as Fifa president next March after losing support from many associations, with his critics yet to find a leading candidate to challenge him. Candidates must declare by Nov 18, while Infantino retains core backing in Africa and South America.

The 56-year-old is seeking a fourth and final term. His Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which came to light in July, would have created a commercial subsidiary to run major Fifa events, including the World Cup. He has since shelved the plan, but opposition to it continues to trouble his campaign.

Opposition searches for a candidate

Aleksander Ceferin and, reportedly, Victor Montagliani are seeking re-election to lead Uefa and Concacaf respectively rather than challenging Infantino. Lise Klaveness, head of the Norwegian Football Federation and a long-time critic of Infantino, has also ruled out running.

Terrence Burns, a marketing strategist for two successful World Cup hosting bids, told AFP that Infantino remained in a strong position. “He holds all the cards and always has,” Burns said. He added: “Any prospective challenger at this point feels either performative or strategic to cut deals.”

Former International Olympic Committee marketing chief Michael Payne said “everyone is surprised” that no serious candidate had come forward. “If he is re-elected, which is looking increasingly likely, it will redefine the term Houdini,” Payne told AFP.

Legal challenges remain unresolved

Infantino’s position is not secure. Opponents have brought legal challenges in the US and filed official complaints with Fifa committees, while Klaveness and the Norwegian federation have highlighted three issues linked by Infantino’s friendship with US president Donald Trump.

The venture capital firm of Josh Kushner, brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared, was to be FFE’s major investor. Burns believes Uefa’s US court action to obtain documents relating to FFE is the greatest risk to Infantino; Fifa is strongly contesting the case.

Payne said a lack of support from leading football nations, including Spain, France and England, could be damaging. Burns, however, thinks the opposition will reluctantly make peace with Infantino.

What happens before the election

Candidates have until Nov 18 to declare for the election next March. The US court case and complaints to Fifa committees remain potential obstacles. A source close to football governance warned there was no certainty the complaints would be looked into and that any consideration would take time.

The source said the Norwegian federation could turn to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if dissatisfied with a decision on its complaints. For now, the opposition is seeking a viable candidate while its challenges to Infantino’s leadership remain unresolved.