Gianni Infantino maintains candidacy for new term at FIFA leadership

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is determined to run for a new term, despite renewed opposition to his candidacy, which emerged after the abandonment of a plan to sell a stake in the world forum's competitions to private investors, according to Reuters.

Infantino, 56, had previously announced that he would run for a fourth term at FIFA's leadership in 2027. A FIFA spokesman reaffirmed the president's intention on Sunday. "The FIFA President announced in April that he would run for a new term in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr. Infantino will run for a new term," the FIFA representative said. The statement comes amid tensions after FIFA abandoned a plan in July to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors.

The plan has generated negative reactions, with UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF calling for Infantino to resign, according to Reuters. The FIFA president, however, continues to enjoy the support of football confederations in Africa and South America, which strengthens his position ahead of elections next year. So far, no other candidate has officially announced his intention to enter the FIFA presidency race against Infantino. Infantino avoided giving details about the recent period, marked by controversies over the investment plan, when asked if he regretted the past six weeks. The FIFA president was in Poland on Saturday, at the U-20 World Cup. "There will be a lot to say, but there will be a place and a time to say it," Infantino said. Infantino remains the only announced candidate for the 2027 election, as opposition to his leadership has intensified following the controversy over private investors in FIFA competitions.