BERLIN, April 10 (NNN-dpa) — Gianni Infantino has received the backing of the South American confederation CONMEBOL should he run as expected for re-election as president of the ruling body FIFA next year.
Infantino succeeded Joseph Blatter in 2016 but formally only completed his term before being re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023. He can seek one final term in 2027 under FIFA statutes.
Infantino, 56, is yet to officially confirm that he will run for another term.
The CONMEBOL council unanimously supported Infantino at a meeting on Thursday.
“Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the development of South American football and for the leadership you have shown on the global stage,” CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez said in a statement.
“We greatly appreciate your close ties with our region and your vision for continuing to grow the sport worldwide.”
Infantino has come under public criticism in several areas, such as being close to United States President Donald Trump. However, there has hardly been any criticism from within the football community and a candidate who could run against him is presently not in sight.
— NNN-dpa