Despite Controversies, Infantino Set for Clear Path to FIFA Re-election

Gianni Infantino has already secured formal backing from over 200 nations for his re-election as FIFA president, despite the instability caused by the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's overturned suspension, The Guardian reported on Friday. His re-election for a fourth term at the March congress now appears to be a mere formality, according to the British newspaper.

The publication notes that only a small number of the 211 member federations of world football's governing body have yet to send letters of support to Infantino. Among the exceptions are a few European countries, with Germany being the most prominent federation that has reportedly not yet formalized its support for the 56-year-old Swiss.

The deadline for submitting candidacies is November 18, by which date letters of support can be withdrawn or transferred to another candidate. However, Infantino is currently the only candidate in the running. Some federations reportedly felt persistent pressure from FIFA to confirm their loyalty, a practice theoretically prohibited by the organization's ethics code.

It would take a significant political upheaval to unseat Infantino. While discontent persists, particularly among European federations, after Donald Trump admitted to lobbying FIFA to review Balogun's red card against Bosnia, the vast majority of support is secured. The current head of the organization does not need European backing to secure an overwhelming mandate, and in any case, most of the continent has already confirmed its support, including the English FA, which reportedly sent its letter well before the World Cup.

Over the past ten days, the idea of a European-backed candidate to challenge Infantino has gained traction behind the scenes, but the prospect of various federations reaching a consensus on a single name seems remote.

UEFA has already expressed its opposition to FIFA on several recent issues, such as the Balogun incident and the removal of Somali referee Omar Artan from the World Cup. However, it is unclear whether the European body's leadership would be willing to formally support a candidate. Sources close to the European football hierarchy believe that a candidate capable of garnering 30 or 40 votes could, at the very least, spark a legitimate public debate about FIFA's governance and direction.

FIFA member federations are set to meet in New York on Saturday, but with Infantino presiding over the meeting, it is unlikely that recent scandals will be on the agenda. Discussions are expected to focus instead on the financial performance of the World Cup and any potential benefits that might be distributed to the federations.