In brief
A coalition of national associations led by EAFA and CONCACAF has said it will refuse to work with FIFA unless Gianni Infantino steps down as president. The move follows the controversy over a planned commercial subsidiary, FFE, which would have allowed investors to buy stakes in FIFA events. UEFA is preparing legal action to compel Infantino to hand over key documents, while several African and South American federations still support him. The dispute has intensified as countries such as Serbia, Sweden and Finland withdraw backing, potentially forcing a leadership change next year.
A coalition of national football associations led by EUFA and CONCACAF has announced it will refuse to cooperate with FIFA until Gianni Infantino resigns as president. The push comes after the controversy over the planned establishment of a commercial subsidiary, FFE, which would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in FIFA‑run events like the World Cup.
EUFA officials have said they are prepared to take legal action, demanding a review of the documents that allegedly outlined the investment plan and protecting the confidentiality of internal communications. They have also requested a five‑day period for Infantino to acknowledge receipt of the letter, which would confirm understanding of the demands and a commitment to preserve relevant records.
The controversy followed a series of withdrawals of support for Infantino’s bid for a fourth term. While European, Central American and Caribbean federations have expressed doubts over his leadership, a number of other confederations—including Africa, South America, and a few Asian federations—continue to back him.
Infantino’s business proposal was to create a subsidiary, FFA, that would have accepted minority stakes from external parties. The move was described by critics as “unprecedented” and raised concerns about governance, financial transparency, and the influence of commercial entities.
If the current situation leads to a leadership change, UEFA’s Laura McAllister said the governing body would hope others would follow by withdrawing support for Infantino. This could lead to a wider fallout for FIFA and potentially alter the structure of its upcoming tournaments.
The dispute highlights the growing divisions within world football, with stakes that could shift the balance of power across the sport’s governing structures. The issue remains unresolved as audiences watch to see whether further federations will join the boycott or if Infantino will eventually resign or withstand the pressure.
