Gianni Infantino is positioned to secure re-election as FIFA president in the upcoming March vote despite facing significant criticism and the loss of support from several football associations. The 56-year-old Swiss official, who is seeking a fourth and final term, has maintained strong backing from federations in Africa and South America, even as many others remain wary following his controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan.

The FFE initiative, unveiled in July shortly after the 2022 World Cup, proposed the creation of a commercial subsidiary to manage FIFA’s flagship events, including the World Cup. However, Infantino withdrew the plan amid backlash, particularly over concerns related to private investment in the tournament. The venture capital firm slated to be the major investor was linked to Josh Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, a connection that has drawn scrutiny and legal challenges.

Two of Infantino’s prominent critics—Aleksander Ceferin, head of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), and Victor Montagliani, the president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF)—are focusing on retaining their current positions, limiting the pool of strong candidates to challenge Infantino for the FIFA presidency. As of now, only Ramon Vega, a former Tottenham Hotspur defender who previously unsuccessfully contested Infantino in 2022, has declared his candidacy. The deadline for candidates to declare is November 18.

Observers note that Infantino retains a commanding advantage. Terrence Burns, a marketing strategist involved in previous World Cup bids, stated that Infantino “holds all the cards” and that potential challengers are likely to be either symbolic or negotiating for influence rather than mounting serious opposition. Michael Payne, former marketing chief at the International Olympic Committee (IOC), expressed surprise at the absence of a strong contender and suggested that a fourth term for Infantino would reinforce his reputation as a political survivor.

Lise Klaveness, the head of the Norwegian Football Federation and a frequent critic of Infantino, has gained respect for her stance but has declined to run, acknowledging the formidable challenge she would face as a woman seeking to lead world football. Sources familiar with international sports governance note that while the IOC supported Kirsty Coventry’s successful election as its first female president, FIFA’s internal dynamics are expected to actively resist a similar breakthrough.

Despite Infantino’s perceived strength, the opposition has pursued several legal avenues. UEFA has filed litigation in United States courts to access documents related to the FFE project, facing resistance from FIFA. Additionally, complaints submitted to FIFA committees by Klaveness and the Norwegian federation focus on issues tied to Infantino’s ties with Trump and the private investment scheme. The possibility of appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) looms if disputes remain unresolved.

While critiques from major football nations such as Spain, France, and England could undermine FIFA’s cohesion, analysts suggest the organization’s leadership will prioritize unity and avoid open conflict unless definitive criminal wrongdoing is proven. Burns forecasts that the current turmoil is likely to culminate in a further concentration of power around Infantino, underscoring a complex and tightly contested lead-up to the upcoming election.