Even without support from Germany, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been confirmed in office. The 52-year-old Swiss was elected this Thursday at the Congress of the World Football Association in Kigali for the third election to the top, he begins his second full term. The vote took place in the BK Arena of the Rwandan capital by acclamation – the delegates showed their approval with applause, Infantino was the only candidate.
"Everyone who loves me, everyone who hates me, I know there are a few – I love you all," Infantino said after his election. FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura immediately replied: "We love you, President." Infantino announced that he would continue to work hard "to unite the world of football".
Infantino: "FIFA's money is your money"
The German Football Association, as well as the Swedish and Norwegian associations, announced on Wednesday that they did not want to actively support the Swiss. FIFA must "become much more open and transparent in its dealings with the national associations," said DFB President Bernd Neuendorf. "It should explain in its own interest how and why certain decisions are made and who has participated in them. This has not always been the case recently."
But Infantino enjoys the backing of the vast majority of FIFA's 211 national associations. Under his leadership, the world federation has achieved great economic success since Infantino took over from Joseph Blatter in early 2016. By 2026, revenues of at least eleven billion US dollars are expected, the money will be passed on in large parts to the associations.
"FIFA's money is your money," Infantino said at the congress once again. Shortly before the election, he referred to his own merits: "If an entrepreneur were to announce that dividends would be increased sevenfold, he would be kept forever, then it would not just be about a four-year mandate."
Like his predecessor Blatter (87), Infantino, who was born in Valais, Switzerland, was Secretary General of the European Football Union UEFA before joining FIFA. After replacing Blatter, he was elected to his first full term in the summer of 2019. Since the first three and a half years are not counted, Infantino can be elected again in 2027 for four years.
In Germany and other parts of Europe, the Swiss is highly controversial. Several affairs and inconsistencies shaped the image of the FIFA President. In Switzerland, two special prosecutors are investigating an opaque judicial affair against Infantino, who rejects all allegations.