Over 200 countries endorse Infantino for a fourth re-election despite the Balogun scandal

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Over 200 countries endorse Infantino for a fourth re-election despite the Balogun scandal


Gianni Infantino is on course to remain FIFA president. According to the Guardian, he has received formal backing from more than 200 of the organisation’s 211 member associations.


Despite criticism over the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s red card overturn at the 2026 World Cup, Infantino looks set to secure a fourth term.


The FIFA chief is expected to cruise to victory at the governing body’s congress in March, with only a handful of national associations yet to submit letters of endorsement.


Germany are one of the most notable holdouts, although the overwhelming majority of European federations have already pledged their support alongside nations from every other confederation.


Infantino is currently the only declared candidate ahead of the 18 November nomination deadline, and it would take an extraordinary political shift to prevent him from extending his tenure.


While member associations can still withdraw their backing before nominations close, there is little indication that any serious challenger will emerge.


Reports have suggested some football associations felt under pressure from within FIFA to endorse Infantino, despite concerns such lobbying would conflict with the organisation’s own ethics code.


The fallout from Donald Trump’s admission that he lobbied FIFA over Balogun’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina has done little to dent Infantino’s support beyond parts of Europe.


UEFA has voiced frustration over the handling of that incident and other recent disputes, including the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Artan from the World Cup.


Discussions continue behind closed doors about fielding a European-backed candidate, but no consensus has emerged, leaving Infantino in control.

There should be strong calls for Infantino’s resignation​

Infantino’s cosy relationship with Donald Trump has been embarrassing to the beautiful game.


Time and again, the FIFA president has appeared eager to place the American leader at the centre of affairs he should not be involved in, creating uncomfortable optics.


The Balogun controversy should have been the breaking point. Allowing political influence to enter disciplinary matters taints sporting integrity.


Football does not need politicians stealing the spotlight, nor a president seemingly willing to facilitate it.


The game’s global appeal has always transcended politics, making Infantino’s eagerness to embrace Trump’s influence quite jarring and unnecessary.


However, rather than prompting accountability, the scandal has been met with overwhelming support. That may be the most damning verdict of all.

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