Infantino is confirmed by acclamation at the World Football Federation Congress in Kigali, Rwanda.
Gianni Infantino has been re-elected as president of FIFA for another four years after running unopposed at the FIFA World Cup Congress.
The 52-year-old Swiss-Italian lawyer was confirmed by acclamation at the meeting in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, on Thursday.
It is officially his first re-election since he initially took over the remaining term from his suspended predecessor, Joseph Blatter, in 2016. This means that under FIFA statutes he can seek another term in 2027 until 2031.
Infantino’s re-election was a formality after no other candidate came forward, even though he is not widely popular among member associations for several reasons, including pushing for a failed plan to play the World Cup every two years. Several European countries, including Germany, Norway and Sweden, were not happy with his presidency and said they would not actively support him.
“Let me just thank you all,” Infantino told delegates after being confirmed by a standing ovation at the 73rd FIFA Congress, where the voting system failed to register the number of dissident votes.
“Those who love me, you are many, and the few who hate me, I love you all,” he said.
“It is a great honor and privilege to be FIFA President, but also a great responsibility. You can continue to rely on my commitment.”
The men’s World Cup will increase from 32 teams to 48 for the next edition in North America in 2026, while the women’s World Cup will feature 32 teams in Australia and New Zealand for the first time later this year.
Infantino also announced projected income of $11 billion in the four years to 2026, compared to $7.5 billion in the last four-year cycle ending in 2022.
