UEFA declares no confidence in FIFA leadership

UEFA has officially declared a lack of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the current FIFA leadership. The European football governing body issued a statement Saturday, asserting that FIFA has lost not only UEFA's trust but also that of many other football family members.

The crisis erupted over FIFA's recently confirmed plan to collaborate with major bank JP Morgan to attract external investors for a new entity named FIFA Forward Enterprise. FIFA had repeatedly stated these investors would not gain decision-making power over the World Cup or other football matters. However, following days of intense criticism, FIFA abandoned the plans early Saturday.

“

The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA's trust, but also the trust of many other members of the football family.

While UEFA welcomed the course correction, they strongly condemned the "secretive plans pushed through at high speed, hatched by anonymous actors and with questionable value for the sport." UEFA called for the identification and accountability of those responsible.

Earlier this week, UEFA's 55 member nations had threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments if the plans proceeded. Norwegian Football President Lise Klaveness stated that Infantino's position as FIFA president has been weakened, though she did not comment on his personal future. Infantino is currently running for re-election at next year's FIFA Congress in Morocco, with no opposing candidates announced so far.

“

We cannot continue with secret plans pushed through at high speed, hatched by anonymous actors and with questionable value for the sport. We must identify those responsible and hold them accountable.