Infantino Faces Growing Pressure as FIFA Holds Crisis Meeting in Morocco
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is holding a crisis meeting with senior officials in Morocco as criticism continues over his abandoned plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup.
The proposal aimed to raise $4.2 billion by selling 20% of a new commercial entity, but it was withdrawn after facing strong opposition from football authorities.
Read More ›
UEFA accused FIFA of trying to sell the "soul" of football and said it no longer has confidence in Infantino's leadership, casting doubt over his bid for a fourth term as FIFA president. Reports said several European football associations have withdrawn their support, while senior FIFA officials have also distanced themselves from the proposal.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom reportedly described the project as a regrettable episode, while Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour called it "the project of one person." Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, now FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, said he was not involved in drafting the proposal and supported the decision to withdraw it.
Read More ›
According to reports, UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation are considering further action if Infantino refuses to step down, although no official confirmation has been given. Several football associations, including Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, have publicly backed Infantino, while many African football officials have also expressed support.
Infantino is seeking enough backing from FIFA's 211 member associations ahead of the presidential election in March, where he is expected to run for a fourth term.
