Infantino Confirms Reelection Intentions and FIFA Congress Details
In a decisive announcement during the FIFA Congress held in Vancouver, Canada, Gianni Infantino declared his intention to seek reelection as president of FIFA. The 56-year-old Swiss official, who has led the organization since 2016, stated, "I will be part of the electoral race because I will present my candidacy." This proclamation marks the official start of the pre-election campaign for FIFA's presidency. Infantino also revealed that the 77th FIFA Congress is scheduled to take place on March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco, further solidifying the nation’s growing role in international football.
Key Highlights and Future Plans for FIFA
Infantino's announcement came with significant news, including the confirmation that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, an event jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His commitment to fighting racism in football was also reiterated as he addressed the 211 national federations that constitute FIFA. With strong backing from confederations such as CONMEBOL (South America) and CAF (Africa), and with no significant challengers in sight, Infantino appears well-positioned for a fourth term. Notably, recent changes to the rules now allow a president to serve beyond the typical term limits when they continue from a previous cycle.
Additionally, Morocco is set to become the new hub for African football, with FIFA's operational base established in Rabat last year. This move signifies Morocco's commitment to enhancing its presence in the global football landscape, especially with the World Cup 2030 on the horizon. An extraordinary FIFA Congress is also scheduled for November 23, 2026, via videoconference, where hosts for the 2031 and 2035 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be announced.
During the inauguration of FIFA's new headquarters in Rabat, Infantino emphasized the importance of this facility in promoting football development across Africa. The event was attended by notable figures, including Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and Patrice Motsepe, president of CAF. Lekjaa highlighted Morocco's role as a center of tolerance and civilization, which is crucial for the growth of football in various categories.
Infantino's assurance of Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup comes amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainty regarding the team's involvement due to conflicts in the Middle East. He reassured the public, stating, "Of course, Iran will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026," and confirmed that matches would indeed take place in the United States. Despite previous discussions by Iranian authorities to relocate their group stage matches to Mexico, Infantino firmly rejected this idea, ensuring that the team would compete on American soil.
As reported by ole.com.ar.
