FIFA President Gianni Infantino is managing the fallout from his failed attempt to sell shares of the next edition of the FIFA World Cup amid other scandals, but remains confident that he will retain his position next year.
Infantino intends to stand for a fourth term as FIFA President in March 2027, but is facing significant opposition after a turbulent summer for him.
Despite the opposition, Infantino remains confident that the vast majority of nations are behind his leadership, according to reports from RTE Sport.
The 56-year-old Swiss administrator has been in charge of FIFA since 2016, and believes fully that his position is not under threat.
Infantino claims widespread support for FIFA re-election bid
Infantino was at the inaugural edition of the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he spoke to BBC Sport about his bid to remain as FIFA President.
He revealed that he remains the backing of multiple confederations, pointing out that Asia's AFC and Africa's CAF have fully backed him for re-election.
He also clarified that the reason for his confidence is that he believes in the democratic process and trusts that he has the numbers behind him.
"Well you know I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world."I think what is important is that in an organisation like FIFA, there can be different views, different points of view.
"But if we are serious about democracy, about the democratic process, about believing that everyone has the same vote and the same voice all over the world, that football belongs to everyone, if we are serious about that, then we need, to respect as well the views of the vast, vast majority.
"I'm just coming back off Tokyo where the Asian Football Confederation has fully endorsed me. I was in Cape Verde where all (Confederation of) African (Football) countries have endorsed me. I'm speaking to all associations everywhere in the world," he said.
The leadership of UEFA and CONCACAF pushed strongly against Infantino in the immediate aftermath of the exposure of his FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, but he withstood the pressure.
He admitted that some things were done wrongly but doubled down on his candidacy, claiming that he cannot be removed by a handful of associations.
Who could challenge Gianni Infantino for the FIFA presidency in 2027?
Infantino had been expected to run unopposed in his pursuit of re-election, but events that have taken place since the summer have somewhat changed the picture.
He is expected to face significant opposition, with challengers expected to emerge before the November deadline for declaration of intent to run for president.
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has already expressed his intention to compete against his compatriot, as he hopes to institute reforms.
Canadian businessman and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is another who has been rumoured to be interested, but has yet to make a formal announcement of his candidacy.
There have also been calls for former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who is currently FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, to run against his boss Infantino next year.
Infantino may win the FIFA election in March 2027, but he has lost the trust of several football federations under FIFA control.
