FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces possible no-confidence vote amid UEFA opposition

Pressure on FIFA president Gianni Infantino is intensifying, with senior figures inside world football reportedly pushing for his resignation and a possible no-confidence vote if he refuses to step down.

British journalist Ben Jacobs said on Sunday on X that UEFA is preparing to withdraw all of its written support for Infantino. Members of CONCACAF are also understood to be ready to take the same step, adding to the growing opposition within the international game.

Jacobs said several senior FIFA officials believe Infantino should leave office. According to his report, they are prepared to consider a vote of no confidence if the FIFA president does not resign voluntarily.

The developments come despite Infantino abandoning a controversial plan to partially privatise FIFA competitions. The proposal involved creating a new company, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would combine FIFA’s commercial activities with the organisation and management of its tournaments.

The plan would also have allowed private-sector investors to acquire a stake in the new company.

UEFA had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if Infantino continued with the proposal. The project also faced opposition from the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, reflecting concern among FIFA’s member confederations about the possible restructuring of the organisation’s commercial and tournament operations.

The dispute led to the resignation of American Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino. Cordeiro stepped down in protest at the plan, which was also criticised by Frenchman Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer.

Infantino eventually announced that the project would be withdrawn after the backlash from across the football world. However, abandoning the proposal has not ended the pressure on his leadership.

UEFA now appears determined to push for Infantino’s removal, while CONCACAF has called for “مراجعة رياسة الاتحاد الدولي” “a review of the FIFA presidency”.

The reported loss of support from UEFA, combined with the possible backing of CONCACAF members for similar action, would represent a significant challenge to Infantino’s position. The prospect of a no-confidence vote would increase the pressure further if he chooses to remain in office.

Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and was re-elected in 2023, but the latest dispute has widened into a broader challenge from senior officials and regional confederations. The controversy began with the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise structure, yet the withdrawal of that plan has failed to restore confidence among some of the organisation’s most influential members.