For another four years, Gianni Infantino will serve as the President of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).
At a FIFA congress on Thursday morning in Kigali, Rwanda, the 52-year-old candidate faced no opposition and was chosen by acclamation.
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Seven years ago, Infantino took over as FIFA President after Sepp Blatter was barred from all football-related activities in 2016.
The most recent term of the Swiss-Italian lawyer expires in 2027, but FIFA’s statutes permit him to run for re-election until 2031.
After being re-elected, Infantino addressed the delegates and thanked them for continuing to support him and giving him another term.
OFFICIAL: Gianni Infantino has been elected FIFA President for the 2023-2027 term of office by acclamation.
“Being President of FIFA is an incredible honour, an incredible privilege…” #FIFACongress pic.twitter.com/E1Vf2c0UoD
— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) March 16, 2023
“Let me simply thank all of you. Those who love me, you are many, and the few who hate me, I love you all,” the FIFA boss said.
“Being FIFA president is a big honour and privilege but also a huge responsibility. You can continue to trust on my commitment.”
The FIFA Council approved the proposal on Tuesday, making the 2026 World Cup the first to ever feature 48 teams.
For the first time in its history, the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will include 104 games.
READ ALSO: OFFICIAL: FIFA To Feature 48 Teams In 2026 World Cup
Instead of the 16 groups of three teams that were originally proposed, the new World Cup format will feature 12 groups of four teams.
Eight of the top third-place teams will also advance to the knockout stage along with the group’s winners and runners-up.
The 2026 World Cup will feature a new round of 32 stage as a result of the tournament’s expansion.
