German FA chief refuses to back Infantino re-election at this stage
Germany's football chief Bernd Neuendorf has refused to initially back another term for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying a decision would be made after the nomination deadline. After the congress of football's world governing body in Vancouver ended on Thursday, German Football Federation (DFB) president Neuendorf said: "The assessment of a candidacy is not my decision alone but lies with our committees. "We will therefore examine the candidacy within the DFB and together with the German Football League and make a decision after the end of the application deadline.
" Infantino, in office since 2016, announced in Vancouver that he would run for the post of FIFA president for a fourth time in the March 18 election next year. Neuendorf said Infantino's application for another term as FIFA president did not come as a surprise and that the office carried great responsibility. The 56-year-old Swiss has courted controversy in Europe for many of his decisions, including allegations he blurred politics with football in his dealings with US President Donald Trump ahead of the men's World Cup in North America in June.
High ticket prices set by FIFA for the tournament have also been widely criticized. Infantino has twice been confirmed in office without an opposing candidate. Under the statutes, another term lasting until 2031 would be his last as FIFA chief.
He has no rivals at present ahead of the nomination deadline on November 18. The DFB withheld direct support for Infantino at his last re-election in 2023 in the Rwandan capital Kigali, where he was elected by acclamation. The relationship between the DFB and Infantino has since normalized and he could still secure Germany's vote.