Weakened at the head of Fifa, Gianni Infantino "has a good chance to spend the summer"

Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, faces mounting pressure despite having a strong chance of surviving until the end of the summer amid growing internal dissent within the global football governing body. The controversy began after his proposal to open FIFA to private investors was swiftly abandoned following fierce opposition from three major confederations, UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC, with UEFA being the most vocal. Since then, the backlash has intensified, with these confederations accusing Infantino of undermining the integrity of world football. The European, North American, and Asian confederations have publicly criticized Infantino, emphasizing that “football belongs to no individual.” In a joint letter published last week, they accused him of creating an environment marked by silence where accountability should exist and of fostering distance instead of transparency. They argued that such qualities are not fitting for the leader of world football. Despite this, analysts suggest that Infantino still has a solid chance of enduring the summer unless the unified front formed by UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC escalates further. According to Kevin Veyssiere, founder of FC Geopolitics, Infantino benefits from support from other confederations, including CAF and CONMEBOL. Additionally, Mexico has distanced itself from CONCACAF, while Mattias Grafström, FIFA’s second-in-command, who initially criticized Infantino internally, has since aligned with him. U.S. President Donald Trump has also voiced strong support for Infantino, warning that replacing him would be a grave mistake. Infantino, though visibly weakened, continues to engage in public appearances and meetings aimed at maintaining his visibility and influence. Recently, he attended a crisis meeting in Morocco and made a brief appearance at a women's Africa Cup of Nations match in Rabat. He later traveled to Colombia, where he met with Alejandro Dominguez, president of CONMEBOL, to attend the inauguration of Abelardo de la Espriella, a newly elected official known for his right-wing stance. These visits highlight Infantino’s efforts to maintain alliances with confederations that back him. According to L'Équipe, a French sports daily, Infantino’s resignation seems unlikely for now, although the pressure exerted by the opposing trio aims primarily to push for his withdrawal from the upcoming presidential election scheduled for March 18, 2027. The combined weight of UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC represents a substantial portion of FIFA’s membership, with their collective influence accounting for approximately two-thirds (136) of the 211 member associations. Each member association holds one vote during elections, meaning a coordinated effort among these confederations could significantly hinder Infantino’s chances of securing another term. This would represent a major setback for a leader who appeared untouchable after the successful hosting of the 2026 World Cup. Infantino’s controversial proposal to allow private investment in FIFA has been cited as a key factor in the current turmoil. Critics argue that his decision was driven by hubris, leading to a rift within the football community. Despite the challenges, Infantino remains active in his role, attempting to navigate through the storm while preparing for the next phase of his political campaign. His ability to withstand the pressure will likely determine whether he can secure another term as FIFA president.