FairSquare urges FIFA to disqualify Infantino for term limit violations

Human rights organization FairSquare has called on FIFA to declare Gianni Infantino ineligible for re-election as president, citing a breach of the governing body's term limits. Infantino, who has held the position since 2016, is facing scrutiny as he prepares for the upcoming FIFA Congress set for March 18 in Morocco. FairSquare argues that he has already served the maximum of three terms allowed under FIFA's statutes.

The controversy arises from Infantino's interpretation of his tenure. He contends that his first term, which began after Sepp Blatter's resignation, should not count against the limit because it completed an interrupted mandate. FairSquare's Director, Nicholas McGeehan, emphasized in a letter to FIFA's Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee that this interpretation undermines the rules designed to check presidential power. McGeehan stated, “This is a clear breach of the rules and one that sets a very dangerous precedent.”

In addition to FairSquare's concerns, Infantino's conduct is under increasing scrutiny from various football federations. Last week, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF called for a review of his actions after FIFA proposed establishing a $20 billion subsidiary to attract private investment in its competitions. Some national associations, including the Scottish Football Association, have declared they will not support Infantino's re-election, while he continues to enjoy backing from African and South American confederations.

FairSquare has also raised questions about the transparency of FIFA's 2022 ruling on the term limit, noting that the reasoning behind the decision was never publicly disclosed. Miguel Maduro, former head of FIFA’s independent Governance and Review Committee, reinforced that FIFA must adhere to its own rules regarding term limits. He stated, “The principle of term limits was a fundamental aspect of the 2016 reform aimed at limiting power.” The situation highlights significant tensions within FIFA as it approaches a critical moment in its leadership.