The Italian Swiss Gianni Infantino was re-elected this Thursday (03.16.2023) as FIFA president until 2027, without opposition and by acclamation, at the 73rd congress of the body in Kigali, Rwanda.
The 52-year-old leader, re-elected under the same conditions in 2019 by the delegates of the body’s 211 national federations, could remain at the helm of world football until 2031 since his first three-year term is considered incomplete.
However, it is not universally popular with national associations due to controversies including the treatment of migrant workers in the run-up to the Qatar 2022 World Cup. and a failed plan to play the tournament every two years.
“Let me just thank you all,” Infantino said after being confirmed by a standing ovation. “Those who love me are many, and the few who hate me: I love them all.”
Infantino can show a solid financial balance, with an increase of 18% in revenues and 45% in reserves in the 2019-22 cycle compared to the previous one, which allows FIFA to further increase its subsidies to confederations and federations.
In addition, his last term was marked by a vast transfer reform, the introduction of maternity leave for professional soccer players, and more protective disciplinary process rules for victims of sexual violence.
Now, the main objectives for the coming years are underway, beginning with the move from the 32 to 48-team World Cup starting in the 2026 edition, organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
