Infantino’s future is in doubt
The summer has seen FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino surge from the celebratory chaos of the World Cup final, only to sink into a day‑to‑day battle over the organisation’s credibility.
Backed by U.S. President Donald Trump during the trophy handover on July 19, Infantino’s tenure had seemed set for a smooth midway point. Yet by the end of the month, he had faced a vehement pushback in the form of the sacking of a controversial investment plan and a flurry of criticism from UK, US and European governing bodies. Reports of U.S. Congress senators condemning his plans have escalated the debate, turning head‑lining headlines into discussions about his legitimacy.
The crux of the controversy lies in Infantino’s attempts to re‑structure FIFA’s financial model by selling stakes in future tournaments – a move that many experts say will threaten the strength of national structures and upset the distribution of revenue. If the plan had gone ahead, many continental bodies would have seen an influx of capitalls, at the expense of long‑term stability. Critics stress that the formula input is fundamentally flawed and that the arrangement made no room for broad consultation or transparent decision making.
Recent papers allege that a boycott by UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC will recommence in March if FIFA’s leadership does not correct its course. Those bodies have announced an out‑of‑sight disagreement that feeds many calls for an internal shake‑up. Opponents suggest the broad failure to secure real time collaboration with members shows the bulk of Infantino’s leadership is weakened.
Who could step up?
Victor Montagliani – The current President of CONCACAF has been involved with the 2026 World Cup for years and could be a favourite to bring fresh corporate perspective. He has a strong track record in Commercial sponsorships and the 2026 media rights deals. Though he would need to step away from the painful task of running a continental board if he were to run for FIFA.
Sheikh Salim bin bin Al‑Khalifa – Unopposed for a fourth term as AFC president, he has spent his time consolidating Asian clubs’ impact through squads and the women’s competition. He speaks Portuguese, English and French and has the financial weight to help Fiji, but his appetite for higher positions is still unclear.
Nasser Al‑Khelaifi – The PSG president failed the orchestration of a shareholders’ Federation that sits at a pressure‑point and was accommodating it in a manner sponsors do not know how to evaluate. His penchant for entrepreneurship may meet their ability to restructure FIFA.
Mattias Grafström – This former Secretary General of FIFA is a brilliant strategist who supported Infantino’s deals in many of the greatest stages. While a high‑profile candidate in his own right, many vote for a post that needs a more neutral and unilateral replacement.
FIFA’s 77th Congress, set in Morocco for the coming March, will ultimately determine who grows beyond the current presidency. Signals of change already indicate that the board might not let Infantino secure his last four‑year that the chairman will be replaced by a non‑European. The number of applicants will be decided by November 18.
