According to British media, a coalition aiming to overthrow Gianni Infantino has been formed. The leaders of this alliance plan to "paralyse FIFA". They are even prepared to launch their own international tournaments bypassing FIFA if he refuses to step down as president.
After Infantino’s plan to sell shares of the World Cup to private investors collapsed, he has been scrambling to secure support from his old power base. Infantino is facing intense pressure from opponents demanding his resignation.
Nevertheless, leaders of UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC are determined to remove Infantino from office. Sources state that they have a series of strategies to deploy if Infantino insists on staying and seeks re-election next March.
Following the meeting of Infantino’s opponents, they plan to implement "organisational boycotts": refusing to attend meetings of the FIFA Council or committees, declining to ratify FIFA decisions, and even establishing rival international competitions. UEFA possesses a blueprint for a global Nations League commissioned back in 2017, which has never been utilised.
Since The Times exposed the sale plan on Tuesday, Infantino has only secured 15 statements of support out of FIFA’s 211 member associations, further increasing pressure on him to resign ahead of the election.
A source said: “Everyone is firmly united. He has to go. If he refuses to leave, we will take all necessary measures. This extends to future international competitions. Would major South American nations prefer to play against France and Spain, or Lebanon and Djibouti?”
“Everyone stands firm, and there is no turning back now.”
If most members are persuaded to demand Infantino’s resignation, calls may emerge for an emergency meeting of the FIFA Council.
Multiple European associations, including the Football Association of England and the Football Association of Wales, have withdrawn their letters supporting Infantino’s re-election in the wake of the uproar sparked by his World Cup share sale proposal.
The FA of England initially backed Infantino and confirmed its support in a letter sent at the end of June, yet it will now withdraw that endorsement. Prior to this, the FA issued a statement on Saturday calling for "a full and rigorous review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure transparent operation of global football". The Football Association of Wales has also revoked its support.
Meanwhile, UEFA has sent a legal letter to Infantino via its lawyers based in the United States, warning it is considering legal action and demanding the preservation of all documents and information related to the plan. Named FIFA Forward Enterprise, the scheme sought to sell shares in FIFA competitions to private investors.
The legal letter also identified 14 FIFA executives, including Gianni Infantino and FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger, ordering them to "specifically preserve all such materials in their possession, custody or control".
The list additionally includes FIFA Secretary General Mathias Grafström and Mario Galavotti, Director of FIFA’s Independent Governance Committee. Wenger has told friends he has no intention of resigning, as he believes he carries a mission to develop youth football worldwide.
Infantino is pursuing a fourth presidential term. His current tenure runs until next year, and the election will be held at the FIFA Congress in March.
