CONMEBOL puts support behind FIFA President Infantino for fourth term

[p]While Infantino has yet ‌to confirm whether he will run ‌for the 2027–2031 term, CONMEBOL's council ‌said in a statement that it "unanimously expressed its support" for the 56-year-old's ‌leadership ahead of a potential ⁠bid.[/p][p][b]"President Gianni ‌Infantino, thank you for your continued commitment ​to the development of South American football and for the ​leadership exercised at a global level," CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez said.[/b][/p][p][b]"We ⁠deeply value ​your closeness to our region and your vision to continue growing the game worldwide."[/b][/p][p]CONMEBOL is the first federation ‌to express support for Infantino's re-election.[/p][p]The Swiss took office in 2016, taking over from Sepp Blatter, and was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and again in 2023.[/p][p]Infantino has pushed for the expansion of FIFA competitions during his tenure, with this ‌year's World Cup in North ​America the first to feature 48 ‌teams, while the women's tournament in 2023 expanded to 32 teams.[/p][p]Infantino's tenure has also drawn some criticism over issues such as ⁠governance and calendar ⁠congestion.[/p]