FIFA president Gianni Infantino will seek another term in office when the election takes place in March 2027.
Infantino has led world football’s governing body since 2016 after replacing Sepp Blatter. If he wins another term, he will remain FIFA president until 2031.
His decision comes at a difficult time. Infantino has faced strong criticism over a plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms.
The proposal caused major opposition across world football. UEFA even threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
“The Fifa president announced in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027,” FIFA said in a statement.
“Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election.”
Infantino did not answer questions about his future when reporters approached him at the Women’s Under 20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.
Tensions between FIFA and UEFA have also increased in recent weeks. FIFA accused UEFA of running a campaign against the organisation and its leadership.
UEFA has taken legal steps in the United States to seek evidence and documents from FIFA over Infantino’s investment plan. It has also warned that it could make a criminal complaint in Switzerland.
Infantino had appeared likely to secure another term as recently as July. Most FIFA members had backed him and there was no major challenger.
However, support has fallen since the investment plan became public. The football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland are among those to withdraw their support.
UEFA now believes a candidate could challenge Infantino in the election.
Any candidate will need support from at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
No challenger has been confirmed yet. Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is seen as one possible candidate.
The deadline for nominations is November 18.
