BBC- Fifa president Gianni Infantino feels as though the walls are closing in after scrapping controversial plans to sell off stakes in Fifa competitions to private investment, but he still plans to stand for re-election in March as he targets a fourth and final term.
- To win, Infantino needs 106 votes from Fifa's 211 members, national associations have begun withdrawing letters of support, and the Fifa Council could try to force him to resign through an emergency meeting.
- Fifa's next president will be confirmed at the organisation's 77th Congress in Morocco next March, with candidates having until 18 November to put their names forward.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino is under intense pressure after scrapping plans to sell stakes in Fifa competitions, leading to a withdrawal of support from national associations ahead of his March re-election bid. Infantino, who aims for a fourth and final term, needs 106 votes from Fifa's 211 members to secure victory.123456
The situation has prompted speculation about potential successors, including Concacaf president Montagliani, who emphasized that "the game is bigger than world current leaders" and that football will endure beyond individual regimes. Another contender is Fifa secretary general Grafstrom, who has gained influence since becoming Infantino's chief of staff in 2016.
With the 77th Congress set for March in Morocco, candidates must declare by November 18. Infantino's leadership is increasingly questioned, as the Fifa Council may even consider an emergency meeting to discuss his resignation. The landscape of world football leadership is shifting, with Infantino's future hanging in the balance.
“Victory would require 106 votes from Fifa's 211 members, yet national associations have begun withdrawing letters of support. Fifa Council could try to force Infantino to resign via emergency meeting, with candidates facing an 18 November deadline before March's 77th Congress in Morocco.”
