UEFA plans Infantino's ouster in Berlin, Infantino remains the target

UEFA is inviting on Thursday, 8 October 2026, all 55 member associations to a meeting in Berlin, at a Berlin luxury hotel, to develop a strategy for the ousting of FIFA President Gianni Infantino; the opposition has so far not named a rival candidate. The goal is to displace Infantino already before the FIFA election on 18 March in Rabat.

At Potsdamer Platz representatives of all 55 UEFA members are expected, including the DFB with President Bernd Neuendorf, Secretary General Holger Blask and UEFA Vice President Hans‑Joachim Watzke. The main topic of the meeting is the approach in the power struggle with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The meeting takes place in the luxurious hotel at Alexanderplatz.

Strategic Options of UEFA

UEFA wants to oust Infantino at the election on 18 March in Rabat or even earlier. President Aleksander Ceferin has already called the FIFA chief a “king without clothes”, since Infantino announced the investor deal for the World Cup marketing rights and withdrew it after massive criticism. UEFA is pressing in vain for a resignation from a re‑election.

Infantino is currently traveling around the world and gathering public statements of support from an increasing number of national associations. Despite this momentum, the opposition has not yet named a rival candidate. The situation remains tense for UEFA.

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According to information from Sportschau, UEFA is choosing a “strategic moment” to present a rival candidate. The nomination deadline ends on 18 November; a candidate should not be exposed to a possible FIFA campaign before the deadline.

A recent ethics complaint from the Norwegian association regarding the Balogun case and the FIFA Peace Prize is intended to create additional pressure on Infantino. Nevertheless, a departure of the president is not in sight, nor is a rival candidate.

For a long time Victor Montagliani was considered the most promising rival candidate, but currently no other names are being speculated. In a real vote, the opposition’s chances are not the best, as Infantino, after the failed investor deal, was able to win back many of the 211 FIFA member associations.

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UEFA will probably continue to look for a suitable moment, but a rival candidate before the deadline appears unlikely. The power struggle between UEFA and FIFA therefore remains unresolved.