Miguel Maduro, a former head of FIFA’s governance committee, emphasized that Article 33, paragraph two, clearly states no individual can serve more than three terms. Infantino has already served three terms since his election in 2016, and Maduro argues there is no justification for him to continue. The impending deadline for presidential candidacies has prompted the human rights organization FairSquare to formally request member associations to declare Infantino ineligible based on his term limits.
Infantino contended that his first term should not be counted against the limit, as it completed an interrupted mandate following Sepp Blatter’s resignation. Although FIFA’s Council declared that the term from 2016 to 2019 is an exception, FairSquare has criticized the lack of transparency regarding this decision. Maduro stresses that the rules do not make exceptions for incomplete terms, asserting the provision is explicit in its limitation of three terms without distinction for duration.
Concerns over the governance of FIFA have been raised, with Maduro noting that the organization’s framework lacks mechanisms to hold the president accountable, contributing to a “climate of fear” among member associations. This environment fosters reluctance to challenge the president and the established rules.
FairSquare’s outreach to 52 member associations has so far yielded no responses. Nevertheless, FairSquare’s director, Nicholas McGeehan, highlighted hope in engaging with Norwegian football officials. The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) has previously supported FairSquare’s complaints regarding Infantino’s breaches of political neutrality. McGeehan urged other associations to take similar actions and not leave the responsibility solely to Norway.
The support Infantino received from the head of Asian football has bolstered his position, giving him significant backing within FIFA’s membership of 211 nations. Maduro’s criticisms reflect concerns regarding the erosion of independence in FIFA’s governance bodies, suggesting that the current state allows the president unchecked power.
