JUST IN: Gianni Infantino Re-Elected As FIFA President

Infantino succeeded former FIFA president Sepp Blatter in 2016 and was waved in for a third term by delegates from the 211 member federations.

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During his acceptance speech, he thanked those who supported him and even those who opposed him. “To all those who love me, and I know there are so many, and also those who hate me, I know there are a few: I love you all,” Infantino said.

Although FIFA statutes currently limit the president to a maximum of three four-year terms, Infantino has already declared that his first three years at the helm did not count as a full term. Therefore, he has prepared the ground to stay until 2031.

Infantino’s tenure as FIFA president has been characterized by the expansion of the men’s and women’s World Cup and a significant increase in FIFA’s revenues.

On Tuesday, FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup, which will be the first edition to feature 48 teams, will be the “most inclusive World Cup ever.” Infantino said the tournament in North America would feature 104 matches, a substantial increase from the 64 played in the most recent World Cup, as it would begin with 12 groups of four teams.

Moreover, Infantino is planning to introduce a new and expanded Club World Cup to be played every four years, starting in 2025 and featuring 32 teams. He believes that there should be more, not fewer, competitions worldwide.

The upcoming women’s World Cup, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand later this year, will be the first to feature 32 teams, up from 24 teams at the last edition in 2019.

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Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president until 2027 has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising his efforts to expand the World Cup and increase FIFA’s revenue, while others are critical of his management style and authoritarian tendencies.