FIFA to Hold Presidential Election in Morocco in 2027
In a significant announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the upcoming presidential election in 2027 will take place in Morocco, marking the second consecutive electoral gathering of the organization on African soil. This decision underscores the robust political ties Infantino has cultivated in the region. The election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, where the 211 member federations of FIFA are poised to reelect Infantino for a third term, following his initial win in 2016 amidst a competitive field of five candidates.
Expressing his sentiments to global football leaders, Infantino stated, "I feel honored and, at the same time, humble," as he officially confirmed his candidacy for the forthcoming election. FIFA's financial stability, bolstered by billions in reserves primarily due to the lucrative FIFA World Cup 2026 taking place in North America, enables the organization to allocate substantial funds—at least $8 million—to each voting member federation during this presidential term.
Morocco's Growing Influence in International Football
Last year, Infantino received over $6 million from FIFA, a role that has significantly raised his profile on the global stage, marked by interactions with notable figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who will host the 2034 World Cup. Initially, the 2027 FIFA Congress was expected to be held in Europe or Oceania after a series of annual meetings across Canada, Paraguay, Thailand, Rwanda, and Qatar. However, Infantino's alliance with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) under the leadership of South African mining magnate Patrice Motsepe has solidified Morocco's position as a central player in FIFA's future.
The CAF has already pledged its support for Infantino during this week’s events in Vancouver, even before the official electoral period commenced. Morocco, which is co-hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, has emerged as a significant beneficiary during Infantino's presidency. Hosting the 2027 FIFA Congress in Rabat, where FIFA established its African regional office last year, is anticipated to showcase Moroccan football and its influential leader, Fouzi Lekjaa, who is also the country’s Budget Minister appointed by King Mohammed VI.
Under Lekjaa’s leadership, the Moroccan football team made history during the 2022 World Cup as the first African squad to reach the semifinals. This achievement has bolstered Morocco's bid to join the Spain-Portugal project for the World Cup, which was traditionally expected to remain in Europe. Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will host inaugural matches to commemorate the centenary of the first World Cup.
Earlier this year, Morocco hosted the men's Africa Cup of Nations, which concluded in a chaotic and controversial final. Senegal was crowned the titleholder on the field, but Morocco was awarded the title following a decision from a CAF appeals panel, with Senegal's appeal currently pending at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. If Infantino’s presidency is extended, it could reach a remarkable 15 years by 2031, which would coincide with the limits set by FIFA’s governance reforms that followed federal investigations into global football corruption.
As reported by apnews.com.
