Infantino stands firm on FIFA re-election bid despite growing opposition

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino will press ahead with his bid for another term in office despite mounting opposition triggered by a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the governing body's competitions to private investors.

FIFA confirmed on Sunday that Infantino's plans to contest the 2027 presidential election remain unchanged, amid increasing pressure over the abandoned investment scheme and growing criticism from within the football community.

The Swiss-Italian administrator announced in April that he would seek re-election, and FIFA said there had been no change to that decision.

"The FIFA president announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election," a FIFA spokesperson said.

Infantino's position has come under renewed scrutiny following the collapse of a proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. The plan was withdrawn after facing significant resistance from football stakeholders.

The fallout has intensified tensions between FIFA and several confederations, with UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf among those opposing Infantino's leadership and calling for him to step down. At the same time, the FIFA president continues to enjoy significant backing from African and South American football authorities.
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