How Do FIFA Presidential Elections Work Amid Gianni Infantino's Crisis?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing the most serious political challenge of his tenure after mounting criticism over a failed proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors. Once expected to secure another uncontested term, the Swiss-Italian administrator now enters the race for the 2027 FIFA presidential election under growing pressure from football associations around the world.

The controversy has prompted renewed interest in how FIFA elects its president, who can run for the position, and what it would take to unseat the leader of world football's governing body.

How Do FIFA Presidential Elections Work?

The FIFA president is elected during the FIFA Congress, which is held every four years after the latest FIFA World Cup cycle.

Each of FIFA's 211 member associations receives one vote, regardless of the country's size, football history, or financial influence. As a result, football powers such as Brazil, Germany, England and Argentina have the same voting weight as the smallest football nations.

Voting is conducted by secret ballot.

If only two candidates are contesting the election, the winner must secure a simple majority—at least 106 votes. If three or more candidates enter the race, successive rounds eliminate the lowest-ranked candidates until one receives a majority.

If only one candidate stands, FIFA rules allow the president to be elected by acclamation without a formal vote.

Should only one candidate stand for election, FIFA rules allow the president to be confirmed without a secret ballot.

How Are FIFA's 211 Votes Distributed?

The voting strength comes from FIFA's six continental confederations.

Member Nations by Confederation:

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The distribution of member associations illustrates why winning FIFA's presidency depends on building broad global alliances rather than relying solely on Europe's traditional football powers.

When Is the Next FIFA Presidential Election?

The next FIFA presidential election will take place during the FIFA Congress in Morocco on March 17, 2027, following the tradition of holding elections after the most recent FIFA World Cup cycle.

Although FIFA presidents now face a three-term limit introduced after Sepp Blatter left office in 2016, Infantino's first years in office were treated as the completion of Blatter's unfinished mandate. As a result, a victory in 2027 would allow him to remain president until 2031.

Unlike the elections in 2019 and 2023, when Infantino ran unopposed and was re-elected by acclamation, next year's contest is expected to be competitive following widespread criticism of his leadership.

Who Can Run for FIFA President?

Candidates must satisfy FIFA's eligibility requirements before they can contest the election.

According to GiveMeSport, anyone seeking the presidency must have played an active role in association football for at least two of the previous five years. Candidates must also obtain formal backing from at least five FIFA member associations before the nomination deadline. Each association may support only one candidate.

In addition, FIFA's eligibility committee reviews every nomination before candidates are officially approved.

Why Is Gianni Infantino Under Pressure?

Infantino's position weakened after FIFA proposed creating a commercial entity that would sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors.

The proposal drew strong opposition from football governing bodies and member associations before FIFA abandoned the plan.

As reported by Sports Illustrated (SI), the controversy has prompted several football associations to withdraw public support for Infantino, while organizations including UEFA, AFC, and Concacaf have questioned FIFA's leadership.

The backlash has also fueled speculation that other candidates could challenge him in the 2027 election, making what once appeared to be a routine re-election campaign increasingly uncertain.

Could Infantino Be Replaced?

Yes.

If another candidate secures majority support from FIFA's member associations, Infantino would lose the presidency.

He would become the first sitting FIFA president to lose a re-election bid since 1974, when England's Sir Stanley Rous was defeated by Brazil's João Havelange.

Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is reportedly eager to challenge Infantino, and although no other major challenger has formally entered the race, football's governing bodies have several months before nominations close in November 2026.

Who Has Led FIFA Since 1904?

Only nine people have served as FIFA president since the organization was founded, with one interim president.

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Read: FIFA Crisis Deepens as Gianni Infantino Faces Growing Calls to Resign

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