FIFA i Svjetsko prvenstvo: Sve raste, ali ne i protivljenje Infantinu

The FIFA World Cup has concluded after 39 days and 104 matches, with a new world champion crowned. The tournament, which saw games played across six countries spanning three continents, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, has drawn record crowds and generated unprecedented global interest. With the next World Cup set to take place in 2030, expectations are high for even greater expansion, potentially involving more than three continents. Tickets for the upcoming event will likely be highly sought after, particularly in Casablanca, where a stadium with a capacity of 115,000 is under construction. Despite the success of the tournament, one figure remains a focal point of controversy: FIFA President Gianni Infantino. His leadership has been marked by decisions that many argue defy traditional football rules, such as the controversial extension of the final half-time break from 15 to 27 minutes and the lifting of a suspension against U.S. forward Folarin Balogun following an intervention by former U.S. President Donald Trump. These actions have sparked widespread criticism, both during and after the tournament. Infantino faces a potential re-election in March 2027, with over 200 of the 211 member associations already expressing support for his candidacy. This outcome is partly due to a flaw in the voting system, which grants equal weight to votes from small nations like San Marino as from larger ones such as Germany. However, several European federations remain hesitant, including a handful of major European associations that have not yet pledged their backing. Past instances of dissent, such as Moroccan player Achraf Hakimi’s public rebuke of Infantino during the World Cup followed by a swift reversal, suggest that opposition is often temporary rather than sustained. The European Union Football Association (UEFA), representing 55 member associations, holds considerable influence. Six of the eight quarterfinalists in this year's World Cup were European teams, indicating the continent's dominance and the potential leverage UEFA could wield. Yet, despite these strengths, UEFA has not yet taken a unified stance against Infantino. Some members, such as Austria’s Federal Football Association (ÖFB), have called for thorough investigations into cases like Balogun’s, suggesting that continued support for Infantino may depend on whether such reforms are implemented. Critics argue that Infantino’s power stems not just from his position but from a calculated strategy that ensures his continued control. The Austrian federation’s head, Josef Pröll, has emphasized that demanding resistance against FIFA could risk harming the organization itself, implying that such demands are pragmatic rather than principled. This perspective underscores how Infantino’s influence extends beyond mere authority, he has cultivated a system where dissent is managed rather than confronted. Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter has joined the chorus of critics, calling for a return to the roots of football and urging fans, players, and national associations to reclaim the game. Blatter, who previously led the FIFA from 1998 to 2016, faced allegations of corruption and was ultimately acquitted in a criminal case. His recent comments on social media highlight growing concerns over the integrity of the sport under Infantino’s leadership. Similarly, Spanish league president Javier Tebas has accused the FIFA of prioritizing its own interests over the sport, describing the organization as fundamentally flawed and in need of restructuring. Tebas has also criticized the FIFA’s push for expanding the number of teams in future tournaments, arguing that such moves undermine the stability of domestic leagues and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of workers. He warns that the current trajectory risks damaging the broader football industry, emphasizing the need for fewer national teams and stronger protections for local football structures. As the dust settles on the World Cup, the focus shifts to the upcoming FIFA presidential election. While Infantino appears poised for another term, the landscape remains fluid, with potential challenges emerging from within and outside the organization. Whether the pressure mounts enough to alter the course of FIFA’s direction remains uncertain, but the scrutiny surrounding Infantino shows no signs of abating.