Watchdog calls on FIFA to bar Infantino from seeking another term

A human rights advocacy group has formally asked

A human rights advocacy group has formally asked FIFA to prevent Gianni Infantino from standing for re-election, arguing that the organization's own rules prohibit another mandate. The request, made public on Thursday, adds fresh pressure on the world football governing body as it prepares for its next leadership vote.

The group, FairSquare, contends that Infantino has already served the maximum two terms allowed under FIFA’s statutes. It points to the Swiss-based body’s regulations, which limit a president to two four-year terms, and insists that any attempt to extend his tenure would violate those principles.

FairSquare’s appeal comes amid rising scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership, which has been marked by both commercial growth and repeated controversies. The group says allowing him to run again would undermine the credibility of FIFA’s governance and set a dangerous precedent for other international sports bodies.

The organization has urged FIFA’s council and member

The organization has urged FIFA’s council and member associations to respect the term-limit rule strictly. It has also called for an independent review of the eligibility process ahead of the next congress, where a re-election bid would be considered.

FIFA has not yet issued a formal response to the request. However, the issue is likely to dominate discussions in the lead-up to the vote, as Infantino’s supporters argue that his first partial term should not count toward the two-term limit.

Legal experts note that the interpretation of the statutes could hinge on when Infantino’s first term officially began. He was elected in February 2016, after the resignation of Sepp Blatter, and re-elected in 2019 and 2023—a sequence that FairSquare says already exceeds the allowed number of full terms.

The watchdog’s move reflects broader concerns about acco…

The watchdog’s move reflects broader concerns about accountability in global sports governance. As FIFA prepares for its next election cycle, the debate over term limits is likely to test the organization’s commitment to its own regulations.