FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended his leadership amid calls for him to step down, saying the decision on his future rests with the organisation’s 211 member associations.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Infantino was asked whether he remained fit to lead FIFA and whether he had considered resigning amid criticism of his leadership and a controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors.
He pointed to his election by the member associations, insisting that their views must be respected.
“I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world. If we are serious about that, then we need to respect as well the views of the vast, vast majority,” he said.
Infantino also cited recent backing from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), saying both had endorsed his bid for another term.
“I’m just coming back from Tokyo where the Asian Football Confederation has fully endorsed me. I was in Cape Verde where all African countries as well, CAF countries, have endorsed me,” he said.
He acknowledged differing views on FIFA’s leadership but maintained that member associations should have the final say.
“We need to respect, and I do respect, all opinions, all views, and then it will be up to the FIFA member associations to decide who they want as a president and how they want FIFA to be run,” he added.
Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and is seeking a fourth term in the election scheduled for March 2027. His leadership has faced criticism from UEFA and some national associations over FIFA’s governance and decision-making, including the private-investment proposal.
The deadline for candidates to submit their nominations is November 18, with Infantino’s reported support from Africa and Asia shaping the contest ahead of the election.
