FIFA President Gianni Infantino's bid for re-election has hit a roadblock as Miguel Maduro, former head of FIFA's governance committee, stated that Infantino is ineligible to run for a fourth term. According to Maduro, FIFA's rules limit the president to three terms, and Infantino has already served three terms. This development comes as Infantino is expected to announce his candidacy for re-election in 2027.
Maduro cited Article 33, paragraph 2, of FIFA's rules, which clearly states that no person can serve more than three terms as president. He emphasized that Infantino has already been elected three times and has served three terms, making him ineligible for re-election. This stance is in contrast to Infantino's assertion that his first term, which began in 2016, was not a full term as he took over the remainder of Sepp Blatter's term.
The controversy surrounding Infantino's term limits began in 2016, when he was elected to succeed Blatter. At the time, Infantino claimed that his first term was not a full term, and therefore, should not be counted towards the three-term limit. In December 2022, FIFA's Council agreed that Infantino's tenure between 2016 and 2019 would not be counted as his first term. However, FairSquare, a human rights organization, questioned the reasoning behind this decision and urged FIFA member associations to oppose Infantino's candidacy.
Maduro, a Portuguese lawyer, also criticized FIFA's internal controls, stating that they lack the necessary powers to monitor and scrutinize the president's actions, particularly when personal interests may be involved. He argued that the organization's oversight mechanisms have been weakened, allowing the president to operate with relative impunity.
On the other hand, Infantino's chances of re-election have received a boost following the endorsement of his candidacy by the Asian Football Confederation president. This development is likely to give Infantino significant support among FIFA's 211 member associations, which have the right to vote. However, Maduro warned that some member associations may be hesitant to speak out against FIFA's governance due to a perceived culture of fear within the organization.
As the deadline for candidate nominations approaches, attention is focused on FIFA's decision on whether to allow Infantino to run for re-election. The controversy has sparked a wider debate about governance and compliance within FIFA. The organization's handling of this issue will likely have significant implications for its reputation and future leadership.
The outcome of this development will be closely watched by the football community, with many stakeholders eager to see how FIFA addresses concerns about its governance and leadership. The organization's decision will likely have far-reaching consequences for the sport, and Infantino's re-election bid has become a focal point for discussions about accountability and transparency within FIFA.
Key points
- Gianni Infantino faces eligibility hurdle in FIFA re-election bid due to term limits.
