Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa, is scheduled to meet with senior leaders of football’s global governing body on Wednesday. This meeting comes as criticism intensifies regarding his recently abandoned plan to sell off Fifa‘s commercial and event operations.
Reports indicate that Infantino has been in Salé, Morocco, this week. His aides have reportedly been contacting Fifa Legends, paid ex-player ambassadors, to encourage public support for his presidency. One such ambassador, Luís Figo, has publicly condemned Infantino‘s plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, describing it as “the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour I have ever witnessed.”
Mounting Opposition and Internal Discontent
The leaders of Uefa, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation are reportedly mobilising against Infantino. Ideas such as a “governance boycott,” where members refuse to attend meetings or ratify Fifa decisions, are being considered. Another option is a rival World Cup-style competition, which would effectively signify secession.
Internally, there has been significant dissent. Mattias Grafstrom, Fifa‘s secretary general, sent a critical internal memo to staff, describing recent events as “a sad and reproachable series of events.” Arsene Wenger, chief of global football development, stated he was “not involved” in Infantino‘s Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal and deemed its abortion “absolutely necessary and beyond question.”
Prince Ali, president of the Jordanian Football Association, has accused Fifa of creating a situation akin to “blackmail” concerning unpaid prize money and support for Infantino‘s re-election. These claims have not been independently verified, but they reflect strong opposition among member associations.
Uefa has expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino‘s leadership. Several member associations, including Wales, with England reportedly considering following suit, have withdrawn support for his re-election.
Key Questions and Potential Paths Forward
The meeting is understood to be taking place at Fifa‘s Africa office in Rabat, Morocco. Attendees are expected to include Grafstrom, finance chief Thomas Peyer, legal chief Emilio Garcia Silvero, chief of staff Daniel O’Toole, chief of member associations Elkhan Mammadov, and media relations director Bryan Swanson.
The intention of the meeting is unclear, but it is anticipated that Infantino will attempt to mend relationships and secure his position. However, this may prove challenging. Kevin Lamour, Fifa‘s chief operating officer, stated that the private investment plan was “the project of one person” and that Fifa‘s administration was “deceived.”
Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino‘s senior adviser on global strategy and governance, resigned over the plan, calling it “a bad deal for football” that would “mortgage football’s future.” Cordeiro posed several questions that Infantino is likely to face, including the rationale behind the deal, the oversight in place, who benefits, and the lack of a competitive process.
Member associations had been given a deadline of 19 September to approve the plan or risk missing out on additional funding. Infantino may need to demonstrate contrition and propose reforms to regain the support of his inner circle.
Future of the Fifa Presidency
It appears unlikely that Infantino will resign by the end of Wednesday’s meeting, as he has shown no indication of relinquishing his position. He has reportedly been attempting to rally support globally, with countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Niger, Mauritania, and DR Congo issuing statements in his favour.
If Infantino chooses to continue, Uefa and other confederations may explore alternative methods to remove him. The Fifa Council could call for an emergency meeting, which would require 19 of the 37 members to request it. Doubts exist, however, about achieving the necessary votes.
Another avenue is an extraordinary congress of the 211 Fifa member associations, which could be triggered if 43 associations make a written request. Uefa, with 55 nations, has the capacity to initiate this. Such a process would take a minimum of two months, more likely three months, and would require 106 votes for a vote of no confidence to pass.
The deadline to announce candidacy for the Fifa Congress in March is 18 November. Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is considered a potential unity candidate to challenge Infantino. Infantino stood unopposed in his re-elections in 2019 and 2023.
The current situation highlights a period of significant turmoil for Fifa, with the outcome of these discussions potentially shaping the future leadership of global football.
Source: theguardian.com