FIFA's Infantino faces leadership crisis over scrapped investment plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has abandoned controversial plans to sell stakes in the governing body's competitions to private investors, sparking a political backlash that threatens his grip on the organisation. The swift retreat followed a threatened boycott of FIFA competitions by European governing body Uefa, a move quickly reinforced by the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf.

The internal fallout has been unusually damaging. Carlos Cordeiro, a special advisor to Infantino and a senior White House advisor for the 2026 World Cup, has resigned. Furthermore, FIFA's own chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, stated that the administration was "deceived" about the project.

The decision to scrap the investment deal exposes deep fractures in how global football's commercial assets should be managed. The AFC summed up the mood of the regional confederations, stating the saga "has exposed fundamental weaknesses in Fifa's consultation and decision-making processes that must now be addressed." UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham also condemned the original proposal, while sources indicate most Concacaf members have lost faith in Infantino's ability to govern.

Despite the mounting pressure, his immediate removal is not guaranteed. Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein noted that while a normal organisation would dismiss a leader who reversed course on such a major policy, "Fifa is not a normal organisation." Former FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce echoed this, noting that if things continue at the current pace, Infantino will likely still secure a final four-year term.

The crisis is disrupting what was widely expected to be an unopposed re-election for Infantino at the 77th Congress in Morocco next March. At least one Uefa member has already withdrawn a letter of support, with candidates having until 18 November to enter the race.

If Infantino does step aside, several figures are positioned to challenge for the presidency. Concacaf president Victor Montagliani, who helped deliver the 2026 World Cup, and AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who led the criticism of the investment plan, are the most credible alternatives. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the influential chairman of European Football Clubs, is not interested, with a source stating he "genuinely, genuinely, genuinely doesn't want the job." FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom is another potential candidate, though his close ties to Infantino and European background may hinder his chances.