Africa: After running unopposed at the congress of the world football’s ruling body, Gianni Infantino was chosen to serve as FIFA president for a further four years.

The council in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, on 16th March 2023 voted to confirm the 52-year-old Swiss-Italian lawyer in his position. It is officially his first re-election since he first assumed the remainder of Joseph Blatter’s tenure, which was suspended, in 2016. According to FIFA statutes, he can run for reelection in 2027 and serve till 2031.

Even though Infantino is not generally liked by member associations for a variety of reasons, including pushing for a failed plan to play the World Cup every two years, his re-election was merely a formality when no other candidate put themselves forward. Germany, Norway, and Sweden are three European nations that have expressed dissatisfaction with his administration and declared they would not actively support him.

“Let me simply thank all of you,” Infantino told delegates after being confirmed by a standing ovation at the 73rd FIFA Congress, where the voting system did not register the number of dissident voices.

“Those who love me, you are many, and the few who hate me, I love you all. Being FIFA president is a big honour and privilege but also a huge responsibility. You can continue to trust on my commitment,” Infantino added.

While the women’s World Cup will have 32 teams for the first time in Australia and New Zealand later this year, the men’s World Cup will grow from 32 teams to 48 for the next edition in North America in 2026. Infantino has also stated that he expects to earn $11 billion over the next four years, up from $7.5 billion during the previous four-year cycle ending in 2022.

WORLD ROUNDUP: Samsung to Invest over $230bn in South Korea’s Mega Chip-making plan