UEFA, Concacaf, CAF remind Infantino football 'does not belong to any individual' amid FIFA crisis

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing significant pressure from three of the six continental confederations, UEFA, Concacaf, and CAF, following a joint letter asserting that football "does not belong to any individual."

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Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about retaining, or demanding, power for oneself.

The "open letter to the football family" criticized leadership that prioritizes personal power over the collective good, stating, "Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about retaining, or demanding, power for oneself." The letter further condemned actions where "an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority."

This latest challenge comes amid a growing crisis within FIFA and follows a report by the British newspaper Telegraph. The report alleges that Infantino, who served as UEFA's general secretary from 2009 to 2016, misused his authority to promote an employee with whom he had an intimate relationship. This employee reportedly received a "six-figure severance package" and had MBA program expenses covered, totaling approximately $57,800.

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When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned.

While UEFA confirmed a payment was made along with MBA expenses, Infantino's key allies, Conmebol and CAF, have not signed the letter. FIFA itself issued a statement on Saturday denouncing "a concerted and continuous effort by some to undermine it and its president," while affirming support for Infantino's "democratic mandate."

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An effort concerted and continuous by some to undermine it and its president.