CONCACAF urges institutional examination of Infantino’s FIFA leadership

CONCACAF has called for a comprehensive examination of Gianni Infantino’s presidency of FIFA, increasing pressure on the governing body’s president after UEFA reportedly urged him to resign or face a vote of no confidence.

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) made the call on Saturday while welcoming Infantino’s decision to abandon plans to sell stakes in the World Cup.

In a statement, CONCACAF praised what it described as the unity of the football community, but made clear that it considered the withdrawal of the controversial proposal only a first step.

“At a moment that required honest leadership, our members stood together to defend the long-term interests of football and the principles of good governance. That unity prevailed,” the confederation said.

CONCACAF had already publicly opposed Infantino’s plan. The project, which had attracted widespread criticism, involved the potential sale of commercial stakes connected to the World Cup.

Although the confederation welcomed the decision to drop the proposal, it said it would not be satisfied with its removal alone.

“The future of the World Cup, football’s greatest asset, was developed outside any existing governance framework, without transparency, consultation or due process,” its statement added.

CONCACAF described the episode as “a symptom of a governance system that has stopped putting football first” and said “a comprehensive review of this presidency is necessary”.

The comments represent a further challenge to Infantino, whose leadership has come under growing scrutiny. The concerns expressed by CONCACAF are understood to be shared by other continental football organisations, particularly UEFA.

According to reports, UEFA has asked Infantino to step down or face the possibility of a no-confidence process. The original article does not provide further details about the reported warning or identify the individuals involved.

CONCACAF also said its representatives would take direct action through the FIFA Council to ensure that questions surrounding governance, accountability and leadership were handled through the appropriate institutional channels.

“Our representatives will intervene directly, and through the FIFA Council, to ensure that governance, accountability and leadership issues are addressed properly, through the institutions and procedures established by FIFA’s regulations,” the statement said.

The latest development follows a period of criticism over the abandoned World Cup proposal. Infantino’s decision to withdraw the plan has been welcomed by CONCACAF, but the confederation’s demand for a wider examination shows that opposition has extended beyond that individual project.

The statement places the focus on how FIFA is governed and on the processes used to make decisions concerning the World Cup, rather than treating the withdrawal of the plan as a complete resolution.

Infantino therefore continues to face pressure from within international football. UEFA’s reported demand and CONCACAF’s call for a full examination now form part of a wider dispute over transparency, accountability and leadership at FIFA.