Gianni Infantino’s tenure as FIFA president is coming under increasing scrutiny ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with criticism coming from several football-related quarters. Citing a lack of faith in FIFA’s leadership, the Scottish FA has withdrawn its support for Infantino’s reelection; disagreements have also surfaced on the degree of his support in Africa. FIFA’s three-term limit should bar Infantino from competing for office again, according to governance group FairSquare, which is also contesting his ability to run for another term.

According to Infantino, his first time in office, which started in 2016 following Sepp Blatter’s retirement, should not be considered a full term. The conflict over Infantino’s future is already getting more intense, with the FIFA election set for March 2027.

Ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election, Gianni Infantino has experienced yet another setback: the Scottish Football Association has confirmed that it would not back his reelection. The Confederation of African Football and CONMEBOL continue to strongly support Infantino, but Scotland’s move adds to the mounting criticism of his leadership. According to former president of the Congolese Football Federation Constant Omari, at least half of Africa’s associations might vote against Infantino in a secret ballot, indicating that the continent is not as united as it may seem.

Infantino is under pressure since his eligibility for another term is being formally contested. FairSquare has argued that his tenure from 2016 to 2019 should be counted toward FIFA’s three-term presidential limit and has petitioned FIFA’s Governance, Audit, and Compliance Committee to declare him ineligible. “The complaint we have filed provides clear evidence that this is a clear breach of the rules and one that sets a very dangerous precedent.” He added: “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.”

According to FIFA‘s 2022 stance, Infantino’s first period did not qualify as a term because it concluded an interrupted mandate, therefore he is still qualified to run for another term. The next FIFA presidential election is set to take place in Morocco on March 18, 2027.