FIFA President Infantino reportedly calls emergency crisis meeting in Morocco

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly planning to convene a crisis meeting with senior FIFA officials in Rabat, Morocco, according to media reports from The Times and Sky UK. The meeting is expected to take place this Wednesday.

The gathering comes in the wake of significant internal backlash over Infantino's now-abandoned plan to sell up to 20 percent of FIFA's commercial rights to private investors. The proposal, which involved establishing a subsidiary led by tech investor Joshua Kushner, generated widespread criticism and resistance, forcing Infantino to withdraw the idea.

The pressure on Infantino has intensified within the football governing body. Arsène Wenger, a director within FIFA, has publicly distanced himself from the president. Carlos Cordeiro, a close confidant and advisor to Infantino, resigned last week in protest of the investor deal.

Critics have called for Infantino's resignation. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has suggested Lise Klaverness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation, as a potential successor. Other names being discussed as possible candidates include UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani. Despite the mounting pressure, Infantino has maintained his intention to seek re-election in 2027. Rabat is scheduled to host the 77th FIFA Congress and presidential elections next year, as well as co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain.