The power struggle for the FIFA presidency seems all but decided. Another bloc of voters has now thrown its support behind Gianni Infantino.
The controversial FIFA President Gianni Infantino is edging ever closer to re-election. The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) has also announced that it will vote unanimously for the Swiss candidate. The CFU has 31 member associations, 25 of which are eligible to vote in the election for the head of world football’s governing body. The Caribbean federation is thus also diverging from the stance of its continental umbrella organisation, CONCACAF, which had opposed Infantino.
The CFU stated that, following consultations with all its members, it had decided on a united position in favour of re-electing Infantino. The reason given was FIFA’s financial support for the development of football in the region. However, the federation also added: “In this spirit, the CFU continues to call for greater transparency, responsible leadership and fundamental reforms within the football family.”
Infantino already has a large bloc of votes behind him
Infantino is seeking re-election for a fourth term at the FIFA Congress on 18 March 2027 in the Moroccan capital, Rabat. Support for the 56-year-old has recently grown significantly once again. The president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Chalifa, had assured Infantino of his “unreserved support”. The FIFA boss can also count on a significant number of votes from Africa, South America and Oceania.
Infantino had faced massive criticism in the summer over his failed plan to sell World Cup rights to private investors. Since then, the FIFA chief has been working, with some success, to break up the front formed by his rivals and secure enough votes to remain at the helm.
Will Wenger stand as a candidate?
Candidates must submit their applications for the FIFA presidential election to the world governing body by 18 November. The honorary president of the Japanese Football Association, Kozo Tashima, had announced his intention to stand against Infantino. Former Swiss professional footballer Ramon Vega is also seeking to stand as a candidate. However, neither is considered to have much of a chance.
It remains to be seen whether UEFA, as Infantino’s fiercest rival, will be able to field a rival candidate. The name of Arsène Wenger (77) is repeatedly being mentioned in this context. According to media reports, the Frenchman intends to make a statement next week. Wenger was manager of Arsenal FC for many years and is currently Director of Global Football Development at FIFA. He has recently distanced himself from Infantino.