Fifa chief Infantino convenes crisis meeting
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly called an emergency meeting with key staff in Morocco.
- The meeting's agenda remains unclear, but it follows controversy over plans to sell World Cup media rights to investors.
- Several close associates of Infantino have recently distanced themselves or resigned amid criticism.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has summoned important staff members to Morocco for a crisis meeting, according to media reports. The exact purpose of the gathering in Rabat remains undisclosed, but it comes at a time when Infantino faces significant criticism within the football world.
The controversy stems from recent revelations about plans to sell World Cup media rights to investors. Although Infantino subsequently abandoned this idea, it sparked considerable backlash, particularly in Europe, leading to a surge of opposition against his leadership. Some reports suggest that this current crisis could potentially threaten Infantino's presidency of FIFA.
Adding to the pressure, several individuals close to Infantino have recently voiced criticism or resigned from their positions. FIFA General Secretary Mattias Grafstrรถm described the situation as a "sad and reprehensible series of events" causing "turmoil." Former coach Arsene Wenger, who heads global football development at FIFA, has also distanced himself from Infantino. Carlos Cordeiro, a close confidant and advisor, resigned the previous week in protest.
Rabat serves as FIFA's regional headquarters for Africa. The city is also slated to host the 77th FIFA Congress and the next presidential elections in 2027. Infantino was recently seen in Rabat as a guest of King Mohammed VI, making a public appearance just the week prior.
sad and reprehensible series of events
Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.