In the corridors linking Zurich, Miami and the European game, Gianni Infantino’s route towards another term as FIFA president has become clearer. Victor Montagliani, long viewed as a possible alternative, is expected to remain focused on CONCACAF rather than enter the FIFA contest scheduled for March 2027.
Key takeaways
- Gianni Infantino has confirmed he will seek a fourth term as FIFA president in March 2027.
- Victor Montagliani intends to pursue a final mandate as CONCACAF president instead of challenging Infantino.
- The 61-year-old Canadian had been regarded as a credible potential candidate with support inside UEFA circles.
- Opposition to plans involving private investment in World Cup commercial interests had increased pressure on Infantino.
- Potential challengers must be identified before the 18 November nomination deadline.
Montagliani stays with CONCACAF
Montagliani has not publicly declared an ambition to lead FIFA, but he has informed colleagues that he wants to continue at the head of CONCACAF, the body overseeing football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. A further term there would be his last.
His decision removes a figure who had been considered capable of assembling broad institutional backing. Montagliani’s standing in Europe had made him an especially plausible name after resistance emerged to Infantino’s unsuccessful idea of selling stakes connected to the World Cup to private investors.
That proposal prompted substantial opposition across football governance, but the lack of a confirmed rival now gives the incumbent a significant advantage ahead of the presidential vote.
Europe faces a search for a consensus candidate
UEFA, which has led the resistance to Infantino’s plans, must now look beyond Montagliani if it is to mount a challenge. The European confederation has until 18 November to settle on a candidate able to draw support from across FIFA’s member associations.
Aleksander Ceferin has also confirmed that he will stand for a fourth term as UEFA president, reversing the position he set out in February 2024, when he indicated that he would not seek another mandate. The Slovenian has ruled himself out of a direct contest with Infantino.
Ceferin has nevertheless pledged to help identify a candidate who can unite the wider football world for the FIFA election next March. With Montagliani staying in the CONCACAF race, that search has become more urgent for the European bloc.
