Gianni Infantino has secured the formal endorsement of more than 200 FIFA members for re-election as the body’s president, despite the climate of unrest surrounding the Folarin Balogun scandal. The Guardian understands only a handful of FIFA’s 211 member associations are still to send letters of support for Infantino, who is on course to be voted into a fourth term by a landslide at its congress in March.
This overwhelming support comes amid controversy after Donald Trump admitted lobbying FIFA to review the USA striker Balogun’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. While disquiet festers among European FAs and adjacent bodies, Infantino does not need Europe’s support to land an overwhelming mandate. Most of the continent, including the English FA, has already confirmed its endorsement.
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Infantino’s Path to a Fourth Term
Candidates must be put forward by 18 November, before which time letters can also be withdrawn or transferred to a different contender. However, Infantino is currently the only runner, and some FAs feel they have come under persistent pressure from within FIFA to confirm their allegiance—a practice that should not be permitted under FIFA’s ethics code.
The Balogun Scandal and Its Impact
The Balogun incident has reignited tensions between FIFA and UEFA. UEFA has made its opposition clear on recent issues, including the barring of Somali referee Omar Artan from the World Cup. Yet, it remains unclear whether UEFA’s leadership would formally support a contender against Infantino.
| Key Factor | Impact on Infantino’s Re-election |
|---|---|
| Endorsements from 200+ members | Overwhelming mandate likely |
| European opposition | Minimal effect due to global support |
| Balogun scandal | Controversy but no electoral threat |
Key Takeaways
- Infantino has formal backing from over 200 FIFA member associations.
- A small number of European FAs, including Germany, remain outliers.
- The Balogun scandal has not derailed his re-election campaign.
- No credible challenger has emerged ahead of the November deadline.
- UEFA’s opposition is vocal but unlikely to produce a unified candidate.
FAQ
Why is Gianni Infantino likely to win a fourth term?
Infantino has secured endorsements from more than 200 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, giving him a landslide mandate. With no serious challenger, his re-election is virtually assured.
What is the Balogun scandal about?
The scandal involves US striker Folarin Balogun receiving a reprieve from suspension after Donald Trump lobbied FIFA to review his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This has caused unrest, particularly among European football associations.
Are there any candidates running against Infantino?
As of now, Infantino is the only declared candidate. While talk of a Europe-backed contender has gained legitimacy, no unified candidate has emerged ahead of the 18 November deadline.
It would take a political earthquake to dislodge Infantino. With the vast majority of FIFA members behind him, his fourth term appears inevitable, despite the lingering fallout from the Balogun scandal.
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