Opposition mounts as Infantino faces March 2027 vote
Pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino is mounting as federations from Europe (Europa) and North America openly challenge his leadership. The story (Geschichte) began at the end of July (Juli), shortly after the World Cup final in the USA, shaking the football world (Welt) and showing no sign of abating.
Proposed tournament share sale sparks backlash
In early July, Infantino floated the idea of selling stakes in Fifa tournaments to private investors. The suggestion was quickly publicised by Reuters/Action Images, and it sent shockwaves through the football community. Uefa warned it might launch a full‑scale boycott of Fifa events.
Within days, Infantino retracted the proposal, but the damage was done. Critics intensified, demanding his resignation and accusing him of endangering the sport’s integrity. The backlash was especially pronounced among European football bodies.
National associations from the Nordic region, Belgium, Austria, England, France, the Netherlands and Italy have all withdrawn their support for Infantino’s re‑election in March 2027. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced on Wednesday that it will not back another term either. Spain and Portugal, co‑hosts of the upcoming World Cup with Morocco, have remained silent, while Germany’s DFB has refused to sign a support letter.
North American federations join the revolt
Opposition is not confined to Europe. The United States, Canada, several Caribbean nations and New Zealand have publicly declared they will not endorse Infantino’s candidacy. Altogether, at least fifty football associations have voiced dissent.
Despite the growing opposition, Infantino still enjoys backing from other quarters. The Confederation of African Football stands united behind him, as do Argentina, a World Cup finalist, and co‑host Mexico. The Asian Football Confederation is divided; Qatar, Indonesia and Kuwait support him, yet the confederation itself has not issued an official endorsement.
No formal challenger has emerged for the March 2027 election. PSG president Nasser Al‑Khelaifi, once mentioned as a possible contender, recently ruled himself out. Candidates may be nominated until 18 November, and Uefa nations are set to discuss potential challengers next week.
The contrast between mounting opposition and lingering pockets of support underscores the uncertainty surrounding Infantino’s future at the helm of Fifa. As the nomination deadline approaches, the outcome of the March vote remains anyone’s guess.