European Leagues chief challenges Infantino’s FIFA leadership ahead of election

European Leagues president Claudius Schafer says Gianni Infantino has “no future at FIFA” and is calling for a fundamental review of the organisation’s governance, including the powers and responsibilities of its president.

Schafer made the comments in an interview with The Athletic published on Wednesday. European Leagues represents 53 leading men’s and women’s domestic competitions and has growing concerns about the way Infantino leads world football’s governing body.

“We question whether he is suitable to continue in the role of president,” Schafer said. “From our proximity to FIFA here in Switzerland, it appears that the president’s influence has increased year after year. Major decisions are being taken at FIFA without genuine consultation with the stakeholders who will be affected by them.”

Infantino is facing increasing pressure from three confederations – UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf – which are calling for him to step down.

Schafer argued that the issue was not simply political, but also involved FIFA’s legal obligations under Swiss law.

“FIFA is an organisation governed by Swiss law and it has clear rules,” he said. “The president and the council members have to perform their duties with care and responsibility. This is primarily a legal matter.”

He then referred to FIFA’s decision to present a peace award to United States president Donald Trump without informing the organisation’s council.

“When a decision of this kind is made, such as awarding the peace prize to President Trump without even informing the council, that constitutes, in my view, a breach of the law,” Schafer said.

He also criticised the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s red card during the World Cup, which he said demonstrated an unacceptable level of political involvement in a sporting matter.

“Then came the red-card case involving Folarin Balogun during the World Cup,” Schafer added. “It was a real scandal. I cannot remember political interference of this nature in a sporting case. Such actions raise doubts about the integrity of the game. That is why I say Infantino has no future at FIFA.”

Infantino is expected to seek a fourth term as FIFA president next year, although he is predicted to face strong opposition.

However, Schafer said the priority should be broader than replacing the current office-holder. In his view, FIFA must redefine the role of its president and overhaul the organisation’s decision-making and accountability structures.

“For us, these reforms are the highest priority, and we believe they can only be achieved with another president,” he said.

The interview page also carried related headlines about Thibaut Courtois saying Rodri’s decision to choose Barcelona was unfortunate for the player, and about Cristiano Ronaldo fulfilling the dream of a Real Madrid player after his first appearance.

The subject can be discussed in greater depth in the Kooora forums.