Gianni Infantino, who has led FIFA for a decade, now faces a dire challenge – the world's football community threatens to walk away from the governing body unless he steps down.
Infantino’s plan to let private investors buy stakes in FIFA’s main events, including the World Cup, ignited a firestorm. Instead of a smooth takeover, it became a snare that attracted scrutiny from the top European football authority, UEFA.
UEFA has warned it will refuse to cooperate with FIFA and is threatening legal action. It has also requested that all documents about the investment scheme be preserved, citing potential espionage and irregularities.
Major national associations, including Wales, England, Serbia, Sweden and Finland, are withdrawing support. Those that remain aligned are mostly outside Europe, with pockets of sympathy in Africa, the Americas and Asia.
If Infantino resists, a FIFA council meeting could form an emergency resolution, possibly forcing his resignation. The council would need 19 of its 37 members to call the meeting within two weeks.
On top of the looming threat, Infantino has offered 40 million pounds to member associations for backing his plan. The deadline is 19 September, and the terms could see an initial 20 million pounds payout if they do not sign.
For the football world, the drama signals a shift in the balance of power. It also underscores the risks of letting sports survive on private capital while keeping the sport’s heart in check. The next year will likely hinge on whether another leader rises, or whether Infantino finally steps down.
