Divisions Emerge Over Fifa Leadership
Divisions have emerged regarding the leadership of Fifa president Gianni Infantino, with a map of support and opposition among member associations indicating a shift in his previously strong position. While Infantino was widely expected to secure re-election for a fourth term next March, recent events have altered this outlook. His abandoned proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors has led to significant backlash.
A recent tally suggests 73 member associations are in support of Infantino, while 124 are in opposition, and 13 remain undecided. This picture is fluid and could change in the coming months. Fifa‘s 211th member, Nepal, is currently suspended and does not have voting rights.
The European governing body Uefa, North America’s Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have signed a joint letter accusing Infantino and Fifa of breaking trust through deception. This coalition represents 136 associations. However, some members within these confederations, such as Bhutan, the Philippines, and the UAE in Asia, and Mexico within Concacaf, have expressed support for Infantino.
Reactions and Potential Challenges
Several European countries, including England and Wales, have formally withdrawn earlier letters of support for Infantino for next year’s election. The USA and Canada have supported Concacaf‘s recent statement but have not explicitly declared opposition to Infantino‘s rule. The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has not made a public comment, but is expected to release a statement following a meeting.
Infantino still maintains strong allies, particularly within Africa (Caf) and South America (Conmebol). These confederations have reportedly benefited from investment since he took office. This investment could be crucial in securing votes from nations within the AFC, Concacaf, and OFC, particularly those that have benefited from the Fifa Forward programme.
Donald Trump, the US president, has stated that removing Infantino would be a “terrible mistake.” He praised Infantino‘s leadership, particularly regarding the World Cup. The US president wrote on his social media site that Infantino is “fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented.”
The open letter from Uefa, Concacaf, and the AFC did not directly name Infantino, but sources suggest it is an opportunity for him to resign with dignity. The letter states that “Leadership in football is not a possession… When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned.”
Future of Fifa Leadership
While Infantino has not indicated a desire to step down, his tenure could potentially end by autumn if Fifa Council members attempt to force his resignation. Such a meeting would require 19 of the 37 members to call for it and must take place within a fortnight. The council comprises nine members from Uefa, seven from AFC, six from Caf, five from Concacaf, five from Conmebol, and three from Oceania, along with Infantino and Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom.
Another possibility is a candidate standing against Infantino in March. No one has yet announced their candidacy, but if the leaders of Uefa, Concacaf, and AFC are serious about challenging Infantino, uniting behind a single candidate is likely their best option. The deadline for candidates to announce their intention to stand is November.
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has been mentioned as a potential challenger. If AFC president Sheikh Salman were to stand, it could sway some Asian associations currently supporting Infantino. The global picture remains unclear due to emerging splits within confederations and the absence of a clear challenger.
Saudi Arabia, which was awarded hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup under Infantino‘s presidency, has not yet taken a public position. The results of its own football leadership elections in August could influence its stance and the views of others in the region. The Fifa Council is expected to hold its next meeting in October.
Source: bbc.co.uk