FairSquare officially demands Infantino's ineligibility for FIFA presidency

NGO FairSquare has officially requested that FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Commission declare Gianni Infantino ineligible to run for another presidential term, according to information confirmed by The Athletic. The letter was sent as Infantino prepares to run unopposed in the March 2027 election.

At the heart of the dispute: the count of terms. FIFA regulations prohibit a president from serving more than three consecutive terms. Infantino, who took over the organization in 2016 following an early election, argues that his first term — lasting only three years instead of the usual four — should not count in full. He therefore believes he is entitled to run in 2027 for a third “full” term.

FairSquare rejects this interpretation. In its letter, the NGO writes: “We request that you declare Mr. Infantino ineligible to run again for the presidency of FIFA, on the grounds that he is already serving his third and final term.” The organization also cites what it describes as “abuse of power” by the Italian-Swiss leader, notably citing the awarding of the FIFA “Peace Prize” to Donald Trump, and expresses concern that the FIFA Council may be unable to hold him accountable in the future.

FairSquare more broadly fears that Infantino could “remain in power indefinitely” if the Governance Commission does not rule in favor of a strict interpretation of the regulations. “Such a scenario is possible,” the NGO emphasizes in its letter.

This move comes during a turbulent period for the FIFA president, already under pressure since the end of the 2026 World Cup due to his plan to sell stakes in the competition to private investors. While the position of certain national federations, including the French Football Federation and its president Philippe Diallo, remains ambiguous for now, FairSquare leaves no room for doubt. FIFA’s Governance Commission will now have to rule on the admissibility of this request.