FIFA President Gianni Infantino will hold a crisis meeting with top FIFA officials in Morocco this week. This meeting follows a wave of criticism after his plan to sell World Cup commercial rights fell apart. He proposed the sale of 20% of these rights to private investors to raise $4.2 billion. However, links to President Donald Trump’s family company attracted significant criticism.
The backlash against Infantino, especially from UEFA, points to a loss of confidence in his leadership. This puts his reelection prospects at the FIFA Congress in Morocco next March in jeopardy.
Infantino has lost support from some European federations. Criticism also comes from colleagues within FIFA. A memo from FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom lamented the project’s failure. It described the events as “sad and reproachable,” without naming Infantino.
FIFA COO Kevin Lamour noted that staff were “deceived” about the project, calling it “the project of one person.” Senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, and Arsene Wenger distanced himself from the proposal. Wenger stated he was not part of its drafting and agreed with its withdrawal.
“I think it’s going to be really important for a country like New Zealand to make a lot of contact with its confederation. It helps when you act in unison with your confederation.”
Infantino has been in Morocco, which will co-host the 2030 World Cup and has pledged support. The immediate focus at Wednesday’s meeting at FIFA’s Africa office is to ensure Infantino remains until the election. An Extraordinary Congress might occur if 43 or more member associations formally request one.
A report from the Times of London mentioned UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC are seeking Infantino’s resignation. They could paralyze FIFA or start their own competitions if he resists.
Some Asian countries, like Qatar and Indonesia, have declared loyalty to Infantino despite the AFC’s position. Infantino has traditionally enjoyed support from developing regions reliant on FIFA’s funding.
African administrators have voiced support for Infantino, seeking backing from the continent’s 54 members. The African confederation (CAF) might yet take a stand. Next Wednesday, Oceania’s executive committee will discuss their stance.
The voting system under FIFA means every country’s vote, even smaller nations like San Marino, counts equally with football giants like Brazil and Germany. There currently is no clear opponent against Infantino for next year’s election.
Prince Ali bin Hussein of Jordan, a previous presidential contender, criticized FIFA, accusing it of “blackmail” for seeking support for Infantino. He affirmed that Jordan would not endorse him. Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment.