Gianni Infantino is facing his strongest challenge yet as FIFA president after three major confederations rejected his plan to sell a minority stake in the governing body’s commercial assets.
UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), representing 143 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, opposed the proposed FIFA Football Enterprises (FFE) plan. UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, while CONCACAF and the AFC demanded that the proposal be abandoned.
Infantino eventually withdrew the plan, but the FIFA leadership crisis has continued. Senior officials from the three confederations criticised his leadership in a joint letter.
“Leadership in football is not a possession,” the letter said. “It is not about holding — or demanding — power to be held. It is a duty of service to the football family that entrusts it. When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned.”
The letter also rejected FIFA’s explanation that the proposal became too divisive, calling the failed attempt to sell an interest in the World Cup “a fundamental breach of trust”.
The FIFA Football Enterprises plan would have brought broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticketing, hospitality and licensing under one commercial subsidiary before FIFA sold a minority stake to outside investors.
Infantino’s political relationships have also come under scrutiny, particularly his growing ties with US President Donald Trump. FIFA opened an office in Trump Tower, while the proposed transaction involved Thrive Eternal, whose leadership includes members of Trump’s extended family.
The FIFA leadership crisis has also affected Infantino’s bid for a fourth and final term. England, Wales and Finland have withdrawn letters supporting his candidacy, while Argentina, Morocco, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Qatar and the African confederation remain supportive.
CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is viewed as a possible challenger.
The FIFA leadership crisis has not ended Infantino’s presidency, but it has raised questions about whether his long-standing political strength is beginning to weaken.
Could this growing opposition seriously threaten Infantino’s bid for another FIFA term?
