OnzeActuFR
DIRECT
PSG remporte la Ligue des Champions 4-2 · Mbappé Ballon d'Or 2026 favori · Ligue 1 : le classement de la journée
← Back to news
International

Gianni Infantino: FIFA presidency weakened by

By OnzeActu · · 6 min read

Gianni Infantino: FIFA presidency weakened by

Gianni Infantino, initially assured of retaining the presidency of FIFA, now faces structured and growing opposition. Several confederations and nations are questioning its management, particularly after the controversy linked to the sale of World Cup shares. An unprecedented battle is looming for the 2025 elections.

According to Bbc.

Context

The current situation highlights the divisions within FIFA, with 73 members supporting Infantino compared to 124 in opposition. Nations like the Philippines, which have expressed loyalty to Infantino, could influence the outcome of the election, but the overall dynamic appears to be leaning toward a significant challenge to his leadership.

Why it matters

Gianni Infantino's FIFA presidency is now under threat from growing opposition, which could redefine the landscape of world football. The controversy surrounding the sale of World Cup shares has exacerbated tensions between the federations, revealing fractures within the footballing community. This situation highlights the challenges Infantino will face to secure a fourth term in 2025.

Key points

  • Gianni Infantino: FIFA presidency weakened by.
  • Gianni Infantino, initially assured of retaining the FIFA presidency, now faces structured and growing opposition.
  • Gianni Infantino: Division over Fifa president shown in map of support and opposition - BBC Sport.

Until mid-July, Gianni Infantino seemed to be able to run for a fourth term as FIFA president without any real adversity. With his almost unanimous support from the 210 member federations (excluding Nepal, currently suspended), the leader thought he would not have to face any serious competitor in the election scheduled for next year. But the situation has radically changed following the controversy over its now abandoned proposal to sell shares in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors.

Today, the divide is clear between the federations which support Infantino and those which oppose him, as illustrated by a map recently drawn up on the global electoral landscape: there are 73 members in favor, 124 opponents, and 13 undecided. This divide intensified after several major European countries, including England and Wales, officially withdrew support, while UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC sent a collective letter accusing Infantino of breaking their trust.

This coalition alone represents 136 federations. However, there is not total unanimity within the confederations: several Asian nations (such as Bhutan, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines) and Mexico on the Concacaf side have displayed their loyalty to Infantino. The United States and Canada, involved in organizing the 2026 World Cup, support the reform approach but have not formally requested the departure of the outgoing president. On the Oceania side, radio silence: no country has spoken out, awaiting an official announcement after a meeting planned for the coming days.

ImageImage

Infantino also maintains strong allies, notably in Africa (CAF) and South America (Conmebol), where FIFA investments have been massive in recent years. This support could prove decisive for the least economically or sportingly influential countries, which have benefited from the “Fifa Forward” aid program.

Major uncertainty lies in Asia, considered the key region for the vote, with several federations still undecided. A change of direction in Saudi Arabia, favored until now by the awarding of the 2034 World Cup, could also redistribute the cards this summer during new internal elections within its federation.

Finally, even if Infantino refuses at this stage any idea of ​​resignation, a scenario of premature outcome cannot be excluded, in the event of an emergency meeting being called by the FIFA Council (the agreement of 19 of the 37 members is required). If this were not the case, everything would then rest on the ability of opponents to bring together a single credible candidate before the application deadline next November. Among the potential challengers, the name of Victor Montagliani, president of Concacaf, comes up repeatedly.

Whatever happens, the road to re-election has never seemed so uncertain for Gianni Infantino, as FIFA prepares to enter a pivotal period in the run-up to major global events such as the 2026 World Cup.

The rest

As the 2025 elections approach, Infantino will have to navigate a complex political environment, where alliances and support are constantly changing. The opposition coalition, including major federations such as UEFA, could play a key role in determining his future as FIFA president. The next few weeks will be crucial to see if Infantino will manage to regain the trust of the federations currently opposed to him.

Frequently asked questions

What has changed in Gianni Infantino's candidacy for FIFA president?

Until mid-July, Infantino seemed to be able to run for a fourth term without adversity, but growing opposition emerged following the controversy over his proposal to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors.

Who confirmed their opposition to Gianni Infantino?

Several major European countries, including England and Wales, as well as confederations such as UEFA, Concacaf and AFC, have officially withdrawn their support for Infantino.

Why is this opposition to Infantino manifesting now?

The opposition

intensified after the withdrawal of support from several countries and the publication of a collective letter accusing Infantino of having broken the trust of the federations.

What are the consequences of this opposition for Infantino?

The divide is clear between the federations, with 73 members in favor of Infantino, 124 opponents and 13 undecided, which complicates his re-election.

What changes could occur as a result of this situation?

The situation could evolve after a meeting planned in the coming days, where countries from Oceania could speak out, and other federations could also change their position.

Related Articles

Partager

Frequently asked questions

📰Related articles