Gianni Infantino Assured of FIFA Re-election
Gianni Infantino’s re-election to the FIFA presidency is all but certain, according to Asian Football Confederation Vice-President Hashem Haidar.
Haidar made the assessment on Monday during an event in Lebanon, where Infantino inaugurated a mini-football pitch in the mountainous village of Chanay.
“We fully and publicly support Infantino,” Haidar stated, adding that he considers the victory in the upcoming ballot completely assured.
Asian Confederation Backs Infantino
The endorsement from Haidar, who also heads the Lebanese Football Federation, follows backing from the Asian Football Confederation announced last month. That regional support solidified a position of strength for Infantino as he prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Infantino declined to speak with reporters during his visit to Lebanon. The 56-year-old previously dismissed calls for his departure, asserting that he retains the backing of the “very, very large majority” of FIFA’s member associations.
Rabat Congress Scheduled for March 2027
The presidential election will take place during the FIFA Congress on March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. Infantino has led the organization since 2016.
The campaign comes amid friction following an abandoned proposal last summer to create a commercial entity open to private investors. Despite criticism over the initiative, Infantino remains the favorite.
Challengers Emerge for the FIFA Presidency
Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association, announced last week that he will run against Infantino. Tashima is the second challenger to declare an intention to contest the presidency, following former Switzerland and Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega.
Haidar downplayed the prospects of the Japanese challenger during his remarks on Monday. “Kozo Tashima might get a few votes, but it will be difficult for him to compete, because the FIFA presidency requires maintaining relationships in all regions of the world,” Haidar said.
Infantino Faces Opponents in Rabat Vote
The March 18, 2027 vote in Rabat approaches with Infantino holding the backing of key regional confederations and two declared opponents officially entering the race.
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