UEFA Moves Against Infantino, Threatens No-Confidence Vote

A significant power struggle is brewing between UEFA and FIFA, with reports indicating that the European football governing body is prepared to take a major step against FIFA President Gianni Infantino. According to The Telegraph, UEFA is considering initiating a no-confidence vote in the FIFA chief, marking a new escalation in their conflict.

UEFA has previously signaled its disapproval of the current management of world football, and despite Infantino abandoning his controversial proposal to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights, UEFA remains unsatisfied with his leadership. The European body is reportedly pushing for changes at the top of FIFA.

Sources suggest Infantino has been given an ultimatum: resign from his presidency or face a formal removal process. FIFA's statutes allow for an extraordinary congress to be convened if at least one-fifth of its 211 member associations request it. This means 43 national federations would need to support initiating such a process. UEFA, with its 55 member nations, possesses enough votes to trigger this congress on its own.

Should an extraordinary congress take place, the decision to remove the president would rest with all FIFA member states. A majority of valid votes, at least 106, would be required for Infantino's ouster. While dissatisfaction with Infantino was evident during discussions about his commercial rights plan, with 143 national associations reportedly opposing it, including all 55 UEFA members, opposition to that specific idea does not automatically translate to support for his removal. Nevertheless, UEFA appears determined to maintain pressure and push for leadership changes within FIFA.