Infantino’s FIFA grip tested as opposition grows before leadership vote

Gianni Infantino is facing the most serious challenge to his political authority at FIFA since becoming president in 2016, with major continental confederations questioning his leadership and potential successors beginning to emerge.

Infantino remains backed by a substantial support base, but recent events have raised questions about whether he can continue in the role and who might replace him if his presidency comes to an end.

Only weeks ago, Infantino appeared to be at the height of his influence. He travelled between cities in the United States by private jet while attending World Cup events and stood alongside US president Donald Trump during the trophy presentation ceremony on 19 July.

The atmosphere changed after Infantino withdrew a controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private-sector investors. The plan prompted widespread opposition from within the football community.

Infantino was criticised by Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, as well as by football supporters. More significantly, several major continental confederations objected to the way FIFA had handled the issue.

Opposition came not only from UEFA, but also from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and the Asian Football Confederation.

The Asian Football Confederation said in a statement that the dispute “goes beyond a single proposal, as it has exposed fundamental weaknesses in FIFA’s consultation and decision-making mechanisms, which require attention”.

BBC sources say most Concacaf members now doubt whether Infantino can continue to manage world football, or have already lost confidence in him.

The situation was further complicated by the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s special adviser and the senior adviser to the US taskforce responsible for organising the 2026 World Cup.

Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, also told the Associated Press that the organisation itself had “been misled” over the disputed project. FIFA has not issued an official response, despite media requests for comment.

Infantino still has support

Despite the growing pressure, some observers believe it is too early to predict the end of Infantino’s presidency.

David Bernstein, the former chairman of The Football Association, said an administrator at any normal organisation would have lost their position after a crisis of this scale. However, he argued that FIFA operates differently because the president’s survival depends largely on the backing of national associations.

Jim Boyce, a former FIFA vice-president, believes Infantino still has enough support to win another term. He acknowledged, however, that a continuation of the current problems could alter the balance of power. His personal expectation is that Infantino will remain in office through the next term.

Infantino became FIFA president in 2016 after defeating Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa by 115 votes to 88.

His election followed the resignation of Swiss executive Sepp Blatter, who left FIFA amid corruption scandals that shook the organisation. Blatter was later cleared of the allegations made against him.

Infantino promised to restore confidence in FIFA and reform its structures. He was subsequently re-elected unopposed twice, and a similar outcome had been expected at the election scheduled for March.

However, BBC information suggests that one UEFA member has withdrawn a letter of support previously given to Infantino, indicating that the positions of some former allies may be changing.

Potential challengers

Victor Montagliani, the president of Concacaf, is regarded as one of the leading possible candidates to succeed Infantino.

He was elected in 2016 on a platform of governance reform and played a central role in preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Montagliani also led the organisation of the 2024 Copa America. He has opposed proposals to stage the World Cup every two years and to expand the tournament to 64 teams.

He has argued that football is bigger than individuals and political systems, saying the game will remain greater than any one official.

Another potential figure is Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who has led the Asian Football Confederation since 2013. He was re-elected unopposed to a fourth term, which runs until 2027.

During his presidency, Asian football has introduced the AFC Champions League Elite and the AFC Women’s Champions League, alongside other new competitions. The AFC Asian Cup was also expanded to 24 teams.

Sheikh Salman has been among the most prominent critics of Infantino’s approach to running FIFA and can draw on the support of a confederation containing 46 national associations.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the president of Paris Saint-Germain and of the European Club Association, is another influential name in global football.

He took charge of the European Club Association after the collapse of the European Super League project and helped expand its membership to more than 800 clubs.

Despite his influence, people close to Al-Khelaifi say he does not want to stand for FIFA president and is not seriously considering taking the position.

Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA’s secretary general since May 2024, is also viewed as a close ally of Infantino. Grafstrom previously served as Infantino’s chief of staff after his election in 2016.

His influence within FIFA has grown, but his close association with Infantino and the possibility that members may favour a president from outside Europe could reduce his prospects of entering the race.

The presidency is expected to be decided at FIFA’s 77th Congress in Morocco next March. The deadline for submitting candidacy applications is 18 November, meaning the coming months could bring one of the most contested election campaigns in FIFA’s history.