A crisis in the heart of world football
FIFA has issued a stark warning that a coordinated attempt to destabilise its president, Gianni Infantino, is under way, just as the Swiss‑Italian official prepares for a potential fourth term at the upcoming congress.
The warning follows the collapse of Infantino’s ambitious plan to raise $4.2 billion by selling portions of the organization’s commercial rights, a scheme that has been rejected by UEFA, several national associations and senior FIFA officials.
Opposition mounts
Within days, calls for Infantino’s resignation have grown louder, with the Norwegian Football Federation’s president, Lise Klaveness, joining a chorus of critics demanding that he step down.
A crisis meeting held in Morocco, convened by FIFA’s council, ended with a reaffirmation of confidence in Infantino, but the episode highlighted the depth of the rift between the world governing body and its European and continental partners.
Responses from continental bodies
UEFA, still reeling from the failed financing proposal, publicly voiced its loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership, while the Confederation of African Football issued an unequivocal endorsement of the incumbent.
South American counterpart CONMEBOL echoed the sentiment, insisting that any removal of Infantino must be decided by a vote of the full membership rather than by unilateral pressure.
Mexico’s football federation, known as FMF, also threw its weight behind Infantino, even as CONCACAF called for a thorough review of his presidency.
Despite the turbulence, Infantino continues to command substantial backing from across FIFA’s 211 member associations, a fact that could prove decisive when the congress convenes.