Fifa has confirmed that president Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election in 2027, despite mounting pressure over his now-scrapped plan to sell stakes in Fifa competitions to private investment firms. The plan triggered a fierce backlash from European football body Uefa, which threatened to boycott Fifa competitions including the World Cup, and marks a significant shift from mid-July when Infantino appeared certain to be re-elected unopposed.

Infantino, who has led Fifa since 2016 and would serve until 2031 if re-elected for a fourth term, has faced eroding support, with the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland among those publicly withdrawing backing. Uefa is reportedly confident a challenger can be found, requiring the support of at least 106 of Fifa's 211 member associations, though no candidate has yet emerged beyond speculation about Concacaf president Victor Montagliani; nominations close on 18 November. Tensions have escalated further, with Fifa accusing Uefa of a "smear campaign" and Uefa filing US legal papers seeking disclosure of documents, warning it could pursue a criminal complaint in Switzerland.