Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, is facing an increasing rebellion within the FIFA Council, with several members now pushing for an extraordinary general assembly meeting. Moves to convene this meeting began before the controversy surrounding a World Cup share sale plan emerged, as revealed by The Guardian. Opponents to Mr. Infantino already exceeded ten members before his secret plan to sell 20 percent of a new World Cup operating company to Thrive Capital was revealed. These opponents grew bolder after Mr. Infantino withdrew the plan due to pressure from UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation. FIFA announced the project's withdrawal early last Saturday. UEFA and CONCACAF subsequently issued statements criticizing Mr. Infantino and demanding a full review of FIFA's governance. Opponents are now working to expedite an extraordinary meeting where they expect Mr. Infantino to provide an explanation.
Challenges to Presidency Mount
The FIFA Council, which serves as the main decision-making body, consists of 28 representatives from the six continental confederations, eight vice-presidents, and President Gianni Infantino. FIFA regulations state that 19 out of the 37 Council members are sufficient to approve an extraordinary general assembly. Europe and North America collectively account for 14 members within FIFA's 37-member Council.
Another route to remove Mr. Infantino involves an extraordinary FIFA congress to vote on a motion of no confidence. Such a motion can be triggered if 43 national associations formally request an extraordinary congress. If Mr. Infantino declines to commission an independent review of the Balogun case, moves to remove him from office are expected to escalate. Opposing Council members had intended to demand Mr. Infantino's resignation should he refuse an independent review of the Balogun case. Informal consultations are currently underway to identify potential candidates to succeed Mr. Infantino.
Player Ban Controversy and Alleged Pressure
Some FIFA Council members have demanded an independent review into the unprecedented decision to lift the ban on player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. This decision followed multiple phone calls from US President Donald Trump. The Norwegian Football Federation subsequently filed a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee, accusing FIFA of violating political neutrality and succumbing to Trump's pressure regarding the Balogun case. FIFA, however, maintained that its decision regarding Balogun was made according to usual legal procedures and independently by the Ethics Committee. Despite this, FIFA has not yet published the written report related to the investigation into the Balogun case. Thrive Capital, the firm involved in the recent share sale controversy, is owned by Joshua Kushner, who is the brother of Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law.
Support and Opposition Dynamics
The African Football Confederation and CONMEBOL continue to provide full support to Mr. Infantino. The Qatar Football Association also issued a statement confirming its support for his continued FIFA presidency. This backing from the Qatar Football Association has effectively closed the door for Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to run for FIFA presidency. The future of any electoral campaign depends on whether CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is willing to compete against Mr. Infantino. Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who lost to Mr. Infantino in 2016, faces a more difficult task if he lacks full support from his continent's federations. Mr. Infantino has so far secured over 200 letters of support for his re-election bid, though these letters can be withdrawn.
Future Outlook and Next Steps
The FIFA Council's next regular meeting is not expected before November, potentially delaying formal discussions on the controversies. Meanwhile, candidates aspiring for the FIFA presidency face a registration deadline of November 18, setting a firm timeline for potential challengers to Gianni Infantino.