The end of Infantino? The secret alliance trying to topple the FIFA president
Pressure on Gianni Infantino is reaching a new peak: according to a report in 'The Times', UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation have joined forces to secure his removal. If he refuses to resign, a series of dramatic steps are being considered, from boycotting FIFA institutions to establishing competing international tournaments.
The pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino continues to intensify, and his position has never been more precarious. After being forced to withdraw his controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, the British 'Times' reports that three of the most powerful confederations in world football — UEFA, CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) — have formed an alliance aimed at ending Infantino's tenure.
According to the report, if Infantino refuses to resign and chooses to run for another term in the March elections, the three confederations are considering harsh measures intended to "paralyze FIFA." Options on the table include establishing alternative international tournaments and exerting government pressure through a boycott of FIFA activities, including refraining from participating in Council meetings and various committees.
A source familiar with the details told the 'Times' that the determination of the associations is particularly high:
"Everyone is determined that he must go. And if not, we will do whatever it takes to get him out of power. This also includes creating international competitions in the future. Will the great national teams of South America prefer to play against France or Spain, or against Lebanon and Djibouti? There is no intention here to back down."
Support for Infantino has eroded dramatically. While as recently as last summer it was estimated that almost all 211 member associations would support his re-election, today he enjoys the support of only about 15. To be elected for another term, he needs 106 votes, a goal that now seems significantly distant.
Yesterday, the 'New York Post' reported that Infantino's situation is so dire that he turned to the US administration for help and scheduled a private conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Despite the crisis, no candidate has officially announced a run against him. The deadline for submitting candidacies is November 18, but if a large number of associations demand his resignation, pressure may be applied to convene an emergency meeting of the FIFA Council before the elections.
Meanwhile, national associations continue to withdraw support. England and Wales announced recently that they no longer back Infantino. The English Football Association called for a "full and thorough review of FIFA's leadership and governance mechanisms to ensure transparency." The Welsh Football Association published an even sharper statement, noting that "recent failures in corporate governance, decision-making, and leadership have led us to the conclusion that Infantino has lost our trust." Serbia, Sweden, and Finland have also withdrawn their support, while Morocco, Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Sri Lanka continue to stand behind him.
