FIFA President Infantino Faces Difficult Removal Process

Removing FIFA President Gianni Infantino from his post presents a formidable challenge, despite mounting ethical and professional concerns surrounding his leadership. Experts suggest that while his ouster is not impossible, it hinges on a complex set of conditions that currently appear difficult to meet.

The first potential step involves the FIFA executive committee convening an extraordinary meeting. This requires at least 19 of the 37 committee members to formally request it. The committee comprises representatives from various continental confederations: nine from Europe (UEFA), seven from Asia, five from North, Central America, and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), six from Africa, five from South America (CONMEBOL), and three from Oceania. FIFA's president and secretary-general complete the 37-member body.

Even if the required 19 members agree to convene, Infantino would have two weeks to call the meeting. During this session, the executive committee could formally request his resignation. However, Infantino retains the right to refuse such a demand.

A more significant, though still challenging, pathway involves convening an extraordinary FIFA Congress. This requires a written request from one-fifth of FIFA's 211 member nations, totaling 43 countries. UEFA, with its 55 member states, could independently initiate this process. However, preparing for such a congress would take at least two to three months.

Even if an extraordinary congress is convened, there is no guarantee of successfully removing the president. A no-confidence vote would require a minimum of 106 votes. While 136 countries had previously rejected Infantino's plan, this does not automatically translate into votes for his removal. Furthermore, recent developments show shifts in support, with Qatar officially backing Infantino and Mexico distancing itself from a joint CONCACAF statement.