Re-elected FIFA president Infantino sets new targets

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was officially re-elected to serve another term at the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali, Rwanda on Thursday.

Infantino will serve until 2027 after standing unopposed. 

He was first elected in an extraordinary congress in 2016 following the resignation of Sepp Blatter.

The 51-year-old retained his position unopposed three years later.

According to FIFA rules, this counts as his second term and Infantino will be available for a third and final term in four years’ time.

This is also the first time in its history that an elective FIFA Congress took place in Africa. Infantino has pledged to ensure the continued growth of the global game and unity through the sport. 

“Leadership is obviously about listening and learning, and you always learn. I think I am learning every day and the Leadership is also about acting and certainly. I am there to act,” he said during his acceptance speech. 

MORE INCENTIVES FOR WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 

He further revealed that the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand will receive an increase in prize money to over USD 150 million [R 2.7 billion]. More than three times the value from the last tournament in 2019 and ten times more than in 2015.

“So you can continue to trust in my commitment and the only thing I am asking you is for this my second term to continue to working hard together to United the world with football. 

“Being FIFA President is an incredible honour, an incredible privilege, and it is also a great responsibility. I am truly humbled and touched by your support. I promise you that I will continue serving FIFA, serving football all over the world and serving all 211 FIFA member associations.”

The congress was also addressed by Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

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