Power struggle in world football: The Caribbean is now also supporting Fifa President Gianni Infantino
The Caribbean Football Union announces it will vote unanimously for Gianni Infantino. This means that the support for the FIFA boss continues to grow before the 2027 congress.
Quick Look
- Fifa President Gianni Infantino is receiving support from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), which wants to vote for him in his bid for re-election in 2027.
- The CFU cites Fifa financial aid as the reason, but at the same time calls for reforms.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election for a fourth term at the FIFA Congress in Rabat in March 2027.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is getting closer and closer to being re-elected. The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) also announced that it would vote for the Swiss. The CFU has 31 member associations, 25 of which are allowed to take part in the election of the head of the world football association. The Caribbean association also deviates from the stance of the continental umbrella organization Concacaf, which opposed Infantino.
The CFU said it had decided on the common position and the confirmation of Infantino after consultations with all members. The reason given was FIFA's financial support for the development of football in the region. The association also added: "In this sense, the CFU continues to demand more transparency, responsible leadership and fundamental reforms within the football family."
Before the fourth term of office
Infantino is seeking re-election for a fourth term at the Fifa Congress on March 18, 2027 in Morocco's metropolis of Rabat. The support for the 56-year-old had recently increased significantly. The president of Asia's continental association AFC, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, had assured Infantino of his "unrestricted support." The FIFA boss can also expect a large number of votes from Africa, South America and Oceania.
Infantino sparked massive criticism in the summer with his failed plan to sell World Cup rights to private investors. Since then, the FIFA boss has been trying, with some success, to break down his rivals' fronts and collect enough votes to remain at the top.
The deadline is running for UEFA
Candidates must submit their application for the election of Fifa president to the world association by November 18th. The honorary chairman of the Japanese Football Association, Kozo Tashima, had announced that he wanted to compete against Infantino. Former Swiss professional footballer Ramon Vega is also aiming to run. But both are given few chances.
It is still unclear whether the European Football Union Uefa, Infantino's fiercest opponent, can also field a counter-candidate. Arsène Wenger's name is mentioned again and again. According to media reports, the 77-year-old Frenchman wants to explain himself next week. Wenger was Arsenal FC coach for a long time and is currently director of global football development at Fifa. Recently, however, he had kept a slight distance from Infantino.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Candidates must submit their application for the election by November 18th.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will UEFA field a rival candidate?
- Is Arsène Wenger running as an opposing candidate?
