Infantino set to remain as Fifa president but faces power struggle

Gianni Infantino appears likely to remain as Fifa president after opponents failed to force him out, but the organisation is now facing an unprecedented internal battle over the extent of his authority and influence.

The immediate effort to make the Swiss step down may have ended, yet the wider dispute is only beginning. Fifa now faces two possible outcomes: a historic compromise that keeps Infantino in office while removing significant elements of his concentrated power, or a prolonged confrontation involving clubs, confederations, player representatives and national associations.

Governance crisis

The compromise option would involve creating a new governance body or structure to limit the president’s influence. A senior Fifa executive described that as the “minimum” required to give Infantino room to remain in his position.

The alternative is an extended war of attrition, in which major Fifa initiatives are challenged at every stage. Disputes could cover the Club World Cup, financial distributions, the international match calendar and plans for commercial expansion.

“It is clear now that he is staying in his position,” a senior executive told Reuters. “The cold and hot war is a real problem for Fifa and global football.”

A veteran international sports official, who has spent decades working with governing bodies, described the situation as “a civil war inside the governing body”, adding: “I cannot remember this happening in any sports governing body before. It is unprecedented.”

The official also asked: “Will he become unable to carry out his duties?”

Two other football officials independently told Reuters that such a damaging scenario was possible. They said the opposition might not lead to a formal split, but could instead involve the systematic blocking of major presidential initiatives.

The dispute began after Infantino proposed selling 20% of Fifa’s commercial rights to investors, including World Cup rights. The plan was later abandoned in July after strong resistance from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf.

Infantino has since attempted to repair relations. In a letter to the Fifa Council and the presidents of all 211 member associations, he proposed appointing an independent external body to conduct a full review of the governance framework and holding broad consultations on improving decision-making.

But UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a video address to the Portuguese Football Summit: “The project that shook the unity of global football may be cancelled, but the trust it destroyed has not returned.”

“Trust in our sport rests on three pillars: unity, transparency and governance that serves everyone, not a minority,” he added. “Football is not for sale.”

Rebuilding support

The controversy echoes reforms introduced after the fall of Sepp Blatter, which were intended to reduce the power concentrated in the presidency. The same issue is now at the centre of the conflict again.

Infantino, 56, has already begun rebuilding his alliances ahead of the March 2027 election. He will have numerous opportunities in the coming months to meet national association leaders at continental tournaments and congresses, particularly in Africa, a crucial voting bloc.

One national association president told Reuters that Infantino would use those meetings to maintain support. Some associations that opposed him could become less hostile if he is re-elected because “there is no point in four years of permanent confrontation”.

A joint proposal by Ceferin and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani would see at least $10m distributed from Fifa’s reserves to each of the 211 associations during the next financial cycle.

For smaller associations dependent on Fifa funding, those sums could be transformative. They may also provide Infantino with a way to secure new loyalties and protect his position, even if his powers are significantly reduced.