Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: Many football organizations, including UEFA, are criticizing the role of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. They have demanded Infantino's removal. At one time, it seemed that Infantino would have to step down. Otherwise, his opponents would vote against Infantino in the next FIFA presidential election to get a new president. But the previous heated situation has changed. The wind is back in Infantino's favor. It can be said that while Kalyan Chaube's seat as president of the Indian Football Federation is shaky, there is no doubt about whether Kalyan will be able to retain his post, then there is no doubt about Infantino's re-election as FIFA president. This is understood according to the latest situation.
In accordance with the national sports policy, the date for the elections to various posts of the executive committee, including the president, in the Indian Football Federation has been set for December 20 this year. Kalyan and his committee's term was supposed to end in September. But since FIFA's special permission and the central government's national sports policy were not implemented, Kalyan got the opportunity to stay until December. However, he will have to be elected by December 20. Although Kalyan's victory in the last election was a cakewalk, it will not be the case this time. Rather, there are strong doubts about his re-election as president. Praful Pat's name is being heard for the post of the new president. However, if Praful himself does not want to take charge of the federation, or if he comes under political pressure in some other way, and if the current state and central governments back Kalyan, then Kalyan can stay. However, there is strong speculation that since Kalyan may lose the federation's seat, he is now trying to take over the administrative power of the IFA by winning the candidate of his choice. However, it is unlikely that he will succeed in that task. From what is known, Anirban Dutta, who is currently in the post of secretary, will become the president, because the president will have the most power, not the one who will be the new secretary.
We will have to wait until November 3 to see whether Kalyan was able to take over the IFA by removing the current secretary Anirban Dutta. But it has become clear that Infantino will overcome the hurdles of the FIFA presidential election to be held in March 2027, despite the storm of intense criticism. That is, Infantino will remain as FIFA president for another term. With whom former Indian Football Federation president Praful Patel had a good relationship.
Infantino was under a lot of pressure after the FIFA 2026 World Cup. There were allegations about him trying to sell the World Cup shares to private investors. The person to whom Infantino was selling the shares is again a relative of US President Donald Trump. After learning this, the heads of various football organizations in the world, especially UEFA, launched a strong attack on Infantino. However, Infantino has managed to weather the storm and has ensured his re-election as FIFA president. Because there is no candidate against him yet.
The 77th FIFA Congress will be held on March 18 next year near the Moroccan city of Rabat. Infantino has already said that he wants to continue working as FIFA president for another four years. Infantino became FIFA president in 2016 when Michel Platini was involved in legal problems. Although UEFA said that they would put up a candidate against him, they have not found anyone suitable so far.
Infantino's potential opponent, Victor Montagliani, was supposed to run, but he is not standing. The Canadian candidate is said to be running for the top post of the North American Football Association (CONCACAF). Another name was heard as a rival to Infantino. Swiss international footballer Ramon Vega. He said that he is interested in running for the FIFA president post. But no one considers him a strong contender. Therefore, Infantino is certain to remain in the FIFA presidency.