In brief
Infantino’s plan to create a commercial subsidiary has sparked a united front of national football bodies calling for his resignation. Urging non‑cooperation, several European federations, including the UK, Scotland and others, have already withdrawn their letters of support. FIFA’s membership vote will need 106 of 211 votes for Infantino to secure a fourth term amid growing criticism from UEFA, Concacaf and other confederations. The controversy has led to legal threats, with UEFA outlining steps to preserve documents and potentially pursue arbitration. If the European pressure fails, the fight may widen to Asia and beyond, as Africa and South America continue to back the president.
Gianni Infantino – the FIFA president who has led the global body for a decade – is now confronting a coordinated backlash from national football associations.
In a series of letters, several member associations have warned that they will actively refuse to attend FIFA meetings if Infantino remains in post, signalling a “non‑cooperation” threat that could cripple regular FIFA business.
The criticism is linked to Infantino’s announced plan to spin off a commercial subsidiary, the so‑called FFA FFE, which would allow private investors to purchase stakes in FIFA major tournaments. The move has attracted doubt over its transparency and governance.
European football’s governing body, UEFA, has issued a letter stating that it could take “legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints” against the initiative. In the same communication it said it would preserve all documents that might be used to defend the proposal.
The situation is set against the backdrop of Infantino’s re‑election campaign. He needs 106 of 211 votes to secure a fourth term in March. While the United Kingdom, Scotland, Serbia, Sweden and Finland have already withdrawn their support, the African Confederation and many Latin American federations remain aligned with him.
The risk to FIFA’s unity is amplified by the potential for a cascading boycott. UEFA and Concacaf have called on other confederations – particularly in Asia – to join the opposition, signalling that the fight could soon involve more than the European world.
If the opposition coalition gains enough votes on the FIFA Council, a motion could force Infantino to resign in a specially convened emergency meeting. The 37‑member Council would need 19 votes to trigger such a meeting within two weeks, thereby exposing the president to a rapid decision‑making process.
For the time being, Infantino remains in a precarious position. The government and media are closely watching, as the next FIFA election cycle could see a complete reshuffle of the organization’s leadership if the current pressure continues.
