Read 3 minutes17 July 2026 06:03 PM IST
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is set for a fourth term in office, despite recent controversies, with overwhelming support from world football’s governing body, a report said. parents.
More than 200 of FIFA’s 211 member associations have backed Infantino’s re-election bid, with only a handful of nations yet to submit letters of support. Germany remains the most notable holdout in the European Federation, although most of the continent has confirmed its support, accordingly parents
The English FA, significantly, sent their letter before the World Cup even started.
Infantino’s re-election path appears clear as he is currently the only candidate in the race. And any serious opposition remains fragmented. While the Folarin Balogun affair has upset some European federations, the prospect of a united Europe-backed challenger remains remote. UEFA has expressed its disappointment with FIFA on several fronts recently, including the Balogun decision and the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Artan from the World Cup. Yet it remains unclear whether European football’s leadership will go so far as to formally endorse a rival candidate.
The Guardian Some insiders believe that even a symbolic challenger who could garner 30 or 40 votes would force a public conversation about FIFA’s directives.
For now, Infantino’s candidacy appears safe, despite facing complaints about alleged violations of political neutrality. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has asked for an investigation into its relationship with US President Donald TrumpIncluding his role in a controversial red-card decision at the World Cup.
The complaint, filed by FairSquare lawyers, alleges that Infantino violated IOC rules on multiple occasions. It is likely involved in the examples cited Revoking US striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match banHe was allowed to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium on 6 July.
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Infantino has acknowledged receiving a call from Trump, who publicly pushed for Balogun to be allowed to play. However, the FIFA president has insisted that he did not interfere in the disciplinary process.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the USA’s Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. The US won 2-0 with 10 men, but Balogun was automatically suspended for the next game. FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the ban for a probationary period.
FIFA’s member associations will meet in New York on Saturday. Infantino will preside over the gathering, but the recent controversy is not expected to feature prominently on the agenda. Instead, discussions are likely to focus on the economic performance of the World Cup and the potential benefits for member nations.