Infantino has no future at FIFA, European Leagues chief says

European Leagues President Claudius Schaefer declared that FIFA President Gianni Infantino's tenure must end, emphasizing the need for reforms within world soccer's governing body. Schaefer, representing 53 professional football leagues, expressed deep concern over Infantino's leadership in an interview with The Athletic.

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We question his suitability to continue as president.

"We question his suitability to continue as president," Schaefer stated, noting that FIFA's influence has grown annually. He criticized the lack of meaningful consultation with stakeholders on major decisions. These remarks come as FIFA faces internal conflicts, including a dispute over selling commercial rights and pressure from three confederations, UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, for Infantino to resign.

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Major decisions are taken without meaningful consultation with stakeholders who will be affected.

Schaefer also pointed to the FIFA peace prize awarded to then-U.S. President Donald Trump and the overturning of a ban for American player Folarin Balogun as examples of questionable acts. He described the peace prize decision, made without informing the council, as a "breach of law." The "red card issue" during the World Cup, which he called a "real scandal," also fueled his criticism, stating, "I can't ever recall a political intervention of this kind relating to a sporting matter."

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If you take such a decision (as the peace prize), without even informing the council, that, in my view, is a breach of law.

While Infantino is expected to seek a fourth term next year, Schaefer argued that redefining the FIFA president's role is more critical than simply replacing the incumbent. "For us, getting these reforms is the most important task and they can only happen with another president," he concluded. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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It was a real scandal. I can't ever recall a political intervention of this kind relating to a sporting matter. Such acts call the integrity of the game into question. That's why there is no future at FIFA for Infantino. There can't be.