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Gianni Infantino re-elected FIFA President at 73rd Congress in Kigali

By IGIHE
On 16 March 2023 at 10:26

Gianni Infantino has been re-elected by acclamation as the President of World Football Governing Body (FIFA) for a third term from 2023 to 2027.

He was elected on Thursday 16th March 2023 during the 73rd FIFA Congress at BK Arena in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Rwanda becomes the first African country to host a congress coinciding with elections of FIFA Congress.

The Swiss-Italian,53, has been leading FIFA since 2016. He was elected for the second term in 2019.

Following his unopposed re-election, Infantino thanked all supporters and pledged continued contribution to the development of football across the world.

“Let me simply thank all of you. 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,” he said.

"I’m truly humbled and touched by your support, and I simply promise you that I will continue serving FIFA, serving football all over the world, serving all 211 Member Associations of FIFA. Leadership is obviously about listening and learning, and I think I am learning every day,” added Infantino.

He urged member associations to count on his commitment and collaboration to develop football.

"Leadership is also about acting, and I’m certainly there to act so you can continue to trust on my commitment, and the only thing I am asking you is to continue working hard together to unite the world with football," said Infantino.

Since 2016, Infantino made several reforms to restore the image of football that had been mired by corruption scandal for the past 20 years.

The scandal also led to the resignation of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter in 2015.

Among others, Infantino has helped the body to achieve financial self-sufficiency and increased the budget to support member associations.

Particularly, Infantino has announced FIFA’s projected income of US$11billion in this tenure, compared with US$7.5bn in the last four-year cycle between 2019 and 2022.

Infantino is also reputed for giving opportunity to countries with less advanced football by increasing teams expected to participate in the World Cup 2026 from 32 to 48.

Gianni Infantino has been re-elected as FIFA President at 73rd Congress in Kigali.

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