Infantino to stand for re-election as FIFA president despite failed World Cup sell-off plan

MANCHESTER, England (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election despite growing calls for him to step down from his position as the head of world soccer's governing body.

Key points

• The FIFA President confirmed in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027.
• But FIFA remarked Sunday he aims to stand again in next year's elections for a final term in office through 2031.
• Infantino has faced increasing pressure after his controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup was met with a furious backlash.
• 18 is the deadline for candidates to enter the next presidential contest, exactly four months ahead of the vote.
• A number of national associations, such the English FA, have withdrawn backing for Infantino's re-election.

"The FIFA President confirmed in April that he will stand for re-election in 2027. Of course, nothing has changed. Mr. Infantino will be standing for re-election, " a FIFA spokesperson remarked.

Nov. 18 is the deadline for candidates to enter the next presidential contest, exactly four months ahead of the vote.

UEFA, European soccer's governing body, has led the calls for Infantino to go, saying it had lost confidence in him and previously threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup. A number of national associations, such the English FA, have withdrawn backing for Infantino's re-election.

In short, infantino to stand for re-election as FIFA president despite failed World Cup is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.