Human rights organization FairSquare has called on FIFA to declare President Gianni Infantino ineligible for re-election, asserting he has already completed the maximum three terms allowed under the organization's statutes. The group contends that FIFA's decision to exempt Infantino's first term, which began in 2016 after Sepp Blatter's resignation, from the term limit count is a violation of the rules.

FIFA presidents are statutorily limited to three terms in office. However, in 2022, Infantino successfully argued that his initial period as president should not count towards this limit, as it was an interrupted mandate. FairSquare disputes this interpretation, stating it contradicts FIFA's own statutes and sets a concerning precedent for presidential power checks.

In a letter submitted to FIFA's Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee, FairSquare presented "clear evidence" of a rule breach. "The rules state clearly that three presidential terms is the maximum allowed; FIFA can’t simply circumvent this rule... by saying that his first term doesn’t count," FairSquare's Director Nicholas McGeehan told Reuters. The organization also raised concerns about the transparency of the 2022 decision, noting that the committee's reasoning was never publicly disclosed and the announcement preceded the Qatar 2022 World Cup final.

Infantino is anticipated to seek re-election for the 2027-31 term at the upcoming FIFA Congress scheduled for March 18 in Morocco. This call from FairSquare adds to mounting scrutiny surrounding Infantino's leadership, particularly following FIFA's recent proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary to attract private investment in its competitions.

Last week, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF reportedly called for a review of Infantino's conduct regarding the subsidiary plan. Sources familiar with the matter suggested these confederations viewed the situation as an opportunity for Infantino to step down gracefully. Several national football associations have also expressed reservations, with the Scottish Football Association's chief executive stating his federation would not support Infantino's re-election.

Despite these challenges, Infantino appears to retain the support of the African and South American confederations. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions regarding governance and term limits within international football's governing body.

FairSquare's intervention underscores a broader debate about accountability and the enforcement of statutes designed to limit the concentration of power within FIFA. The organization's stance suggests a belief that the current leadership is not adhering to established principles, potentially undermining the integrity of the electoral process.

As the FIFA Congress approaches, the implications of FairSquare's appeal remain to be seen. The Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee's response to the human rights group's complaint will be closely watched by stakeholders across the global football community.