Infantino must fight for votes as his predecessor already points to a possible successor

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a significant backlash as a growing number of national football federations withdraw their support. On Monday, federations from Sweden, Wales, England, and Serbia announced they are retracting their backing for Infantino.

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La décision de retirer le projet était absolument nécessaire et incontestable.

This wave of dissent comes in the wake of a controversial plan to create a commercial company for FIFA, which has now been aborted. The project, intended to "unlock the commercial potential" of football, faced strong opposition from various football stakeholders, including the powerful UEFA confederation.

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Je n’étais pas impliqué dans ce projet dont j’ai appris l’existence dans la presse.

The internal turmoil within FIFA is escalating, with even those close to Infantino distancing themselves. Arsène Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development, stated that the decision to withdraw the project was "absolutely necessary and incontestable." He emphasized his belief in an independent FIFA that operates with "commitment, transparency, and integrity."

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Je n’étais pas impliqué dans ce projet dont j’ai appris l’existence dans la presse.

FIFA's Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, also expressed regret over "a series of sad and condemnable events" that led to the project's permanent abandonment. Grafström, who previously served as Infantino's chief of staff, stressed that while individuals and moments of instability pass, the institution and its mission endure. Adding to the pressure, Infantino's former principal advisor, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned, calling the project "a bad thing for the long-term future of the game."

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Les individus, les moments d’instabilité et les épisodes malheureux passent. L’institution, sa mission et sa responsabilité envers le football continuent.