FIFA may fund Gianni Infantino’s legal defence as calls for his resignation mount

FIFA is expected to cover the legal costs of its president, Gianni Infantino, as he faces increasing scrutiny over his decision to abandon plans to sell stakes in the rights to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private-sector investors.

The report by The Athletic comes as Infantino faces the prospect of legal disputes with UEFA, which has made no secret of its desire for him to resign. UEFA has stepped up its campaign by filing several legal cases across the United States in an attempt to force him to leave office.

The legal costs are expected to be paid by FIFA because Infantino was acting on behalf of the governing body and in his capacity as its president.

“The reason is that Infantino was acting on behalf of FIFA, and as its president,” The Athletic reported.

The development comes while UEFA considers whether to launch criminal proceedings against Infantino in Switzerland. No further details about the potential proceedings were given in the source report, but the possibility adds to the pressure surrounding the FIFA president.

Infantino has so far resisted calls for his departure. The demands are not limited to UEFA, with opposition also coming from CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation.

There are divisions within CONCACAF, however, with some member associations seeking Infantino’s removal while others support his continued leadership.

The deadline for any candidate wishing to challenge Infantino in the election is 18 November. The vote is due to take place at the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March next year.

Infantino’s position has come under particularly close examination since he dropped the proposal to sell part of FIFA’s commercial rights to private investors. Those rights included properties connected to the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.

The decision has left him facing scrutiny both over his leadership and over the consequences of any legal action connected to his activities as FIFA president. Despite the pressure from several confederations, he has continued to resist calls to step aside.

The question of whether he will face a challenger now depends on the candidates who may enter the race before the November deadline. If no rival comes forward, the March FIFA Congress in Morocco will determine whether Infantino continues unopposed. If one or more candidates stand, the election will provide a formal contest over the future direction of FIFA.

For now, FIFA is expected to support Infantino with his legal costs, even as UEFA examines further action and opposition to his presidency remains divided among international football bodies.