Infantino Faces Calls to Resign Amid Leadership Crisis
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Infantino Faces Calls to Resign Amid Leadership Crisis
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a potential leadership challenge, with members of the FIFA Council attempting to force an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) that could lead to a vote of no confidence.
- Discontent among council members was fueled by Infantino's abandoned plan to sell a 20% stake in a new World Cup operating company for $20 billion, as well as concerns over the handling of Folarin Balogun's suspension during the World Cup.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino is currently facing significant pressure and calls for his resignation from various football bodies. This comes after his controversial plan to sell a 20% stake in a new World Cup operating company for an estimated $20 billion was abandoned. The proposal, which critics described as a “sell-off of the World Cup,” triggered widespread backlash, including a threatened boycott by UEFA and accusations that Infantino tried to push the project through unilaterally.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) have publicly stated they have lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership, with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin calling for greater accountability. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has also expressed solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF, emphasizing that football should not be subjected to secretive plans.
Rebel members of the FIFA Council are now seeking to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), which could potentially lead to a vote of no confidence in Infantino. Under FIFA rules, a motion from 19 of the 37 council members can trigger an EGM. Discontent among council members also predates the commercial deal, stemming from anger over FIFA’s handling of the controversial lifting of Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the World Cup, a move allegedly influenced by political pressure. Rebels are demanding an independent external review into the Balogun matter.
Despite the mounting opposition, particularly from Europe and North America, Infantino reportedly retains significant support in other confederations, notably Africa and parts of Asia. Over 200 FIFA member associations had previously sent letters endorsing Infantino for re-election, though these can be withdrawn. The deadline for other candidates to announce their intention to stand for the FIFA presidency is November 18.