**Rights Group Urges FIFA to Block Infantino's Re-Election Bid Over Term Limits**
A human rights organization, FairSquare, has called on FIFA to declare Gianni Infantino ineligible for re-election as president, arguing that he has already reached the maximum number of terms allowed under FIFA statutes. According to the governing body's regulations, presidents are limited to three terms in office. FairSquare contends that Infantino's interpretation of his tenure is inconsistent with these rules.
Infantino was first elected as FIFA president in 2016 during an Extraordinary Congress, following the resignation of Sepp Blatter. In 2022, Infantino successfully argued that his initial term should not count towards the three-term limit because it completed an interrupted mandate. This interpretation has now come under scrutiny, prompting FairSquare to submit a formal complaint to FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee (GACC).
Nicholas McGeehan, director of FairSquare, emphasized the importance of adhering to FIFA's statutes, stating, “The rules state clearly that three presidential terms is the maximum allowed. FIFA can’t simply circumvent this rule — which serves as a check on presidential power — by saying that his first term doesn’t count.” He further noted that the organization's complaint provides substantial evidence of a breach of FIFA's regulations, warning that such a precedent could undermine governance within the organization.
As Infantino approaches the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 18, 2024, in Morocco, he faces increasing scrutiny regarding his leadership. Recent calls for a review of his conduct have emerged from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF, particularly following FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary linked to its competitions, including the World Cup, to attract private investment. Sources indicate that these confederations view the situation as an opportunity for Infantino to step down gracefully.
Concerns about Infantino's re-election have also been voiced by several national football associations. The Scottish Football Association's chief executive, Ian Maxwell, publicly stated that his federation would not support Infantino's bid for re-election. Despite this, Infantino continues to receive backing from the African and South American confederations, which may bolster his position as he navigates the upcoming vote.
FairSquare has also raised questions regarding the transparency of the ruling made in 2022, noting that the reasoning behind the decision to exclude Infantino's first term from the three-term limit has never been disclosed. McGeehan remarked on the timing of the announcement, which came just two days before the final of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, suggesting that FIFA was aware of the lack of justification for its decision.
The letter to the GACC was prepared with input from Miguel Maduro, the former head of FIFA’s independent Governance and Review Committee. Maduro underscored the significance of term limits as a fundamental aspect of FIFA's reforms initiated in 2016, aimed at curbing excessive power. He stated, “The principle of term limits was a fundamental aspect of the 2016 reform aimed at limiting power and the rule introduced is clear: no FIFA President can serve more than three terms of office.” Maduro criticized any attempts to create exceptions for Infantino, arguing that it reflects a troubling mindset within FIFA that views rules as obstacles rather than guidelines to be followed.
As the situation develops, the outcome of the upcoming FIFA Congress will be closely watched by stakeholders across the football community. The implications of Infantino's potential re-election and the ongoing debate about governance and transparency within FIFA could have lasting effects on the organization and its global operations.