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Infantino faces FIFA crisis as UEFA threatens boycott
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Culture & Society

Infantino faces FIFA crisis as UEFA threatens boycott

From BBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces growing pressure following a threatened boycott of FIFA competitions by European governing body UEFA, supported by Concacaf and AFC.
  • Key FIFA officials and member associations have expressed a loss of faith in Infantino's governance, with his chief operating officer stating the administration was deceived about a project.
  • The article explores potential successors if Infantino's tenure ends, though former officials suggest he may retain enough support for re-election.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president since 2016, finds himself in a precarious position, facing significant backlash that threatens his leadership. The crisis escalated with a potential boycott of FIFA competitions by UEFA, a move reinforced by Concacaf and the AFC. These organizations delivered a sharp critique of FIFA's operational weaknesses, particularly in consultation and decision-making processes.

This issue extends far beyond a single proposal. Rather, it has exposed fundamental weaknesses in Fifa's consultation and decision-making processes that must now be addressed.

— AFCThe Asian Football Confederation's assessment of FIFA's governance under Infantino.

Sources indicate a widespread loss of confidence among Concacaf members in Infantino's ability to govern. Adding to the pressure, Carlos Cordeiro, a special advisor to Infantino and a White House appointee, has resigned. FIFA's chief operating officer even stated that the organization's administration was "deceived" about a particular project, underscoring the internal turmoil.

In a normal organisation, if he has to back down due to something of this magnitude he'd probably be shown the door.

— David BernsteinFormer Football Association chairman commenting on Infantino's situation.

Despite the mounting challenges, Infantino's future remains uncertain. While some suggest that in a "normal organization" such events would lead to dismissal, FIFA's unique structure might allow him to retain power if he secures sufficient support from national associations. Former FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce believes Infantino might still have enough backing for re-election, though he acknowledges the situation is fluid.

But Fifa is not a normal organisation. If he has the support of enough of the national associations, he will continue.

— David BernsteinFormer Football Association chairman commenting on Infantino's potential to remain in power.

Infantino, who previously served as UEFA's secretary general for seven years, is known for his deep understanding of football politics. He was elected FIFA president in 2016, succeeding Sepp Blatter amidst corruption allegations, and vowed to reform the organization. However, the current wave of criticism suggests his presidency is facing its most significant test.

If I was a betting man, which I'm not, I would still bet he will get his final four-year term.

— Jim BoyceFormer FIFA vice-president on Infantino's re-election prospects.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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