Fifa Congress: Infantino wants third term
During the Fifa Congress in Doha, the president of international football's governing body Gianni Infantino announced he will seek a third term in office in 2023. The press is not very enthusiastic and criticises his failure to distance himself from autocracies.
Football not the main focus here
This is more about money than sport, criticises Die Presse:
“More games, more money, more sponsors - the words of this official are adorned with superlatives. ... Anyone who suspects chutzpah is not entirely wrong. This is a money offensive to keep all the players at the table. That's why Russia's expulsion from Fifa is out of the question for Infantino, who at least appealed for peace in Doha. ... He is seeking a third and, according to the statutes, final term as Fifa boss. He is up for re-election in 2023, and in view of his business deals, dividends and contacts, is unlikely to face much competition. This is supposed to be about football. But also on this stage, money, power and personal interests always take precedence.”
Time for an opponent
Infantino has damaged Fifa's reputation, writes the Tages-Anzeiger:
“He wanted so much and failed with everything. And now he won't get a World Cup every two years either. ... He has become a president with a weak base. And poor instinct. His closeness to the emirs, crown princes and autocrats of this world, the Al Thanis, bin Salmans and Putins doesn't become him. In the six years since Infantino took office, Fifa's reputation has not improved one bit. Next year he wants to stand for re-election for a third and final term. When he announced this to the Congress, there was no storm of enthusiasm. Just quiet applause. The powerful federations in Europe and South America must now use the time to build up an opposing candidate.”