FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure as senior football officials from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have reportedly joined forces to push for his removal.
According to The Times, the three confederations are preparing a series of measures that could effectively paralyze FIFA’s operations if Infantino refuses to resign or seeks another term in the presidential election scheduled for next March.
The reported backlash follows controversy over a proposal to sell the commercial rights of FIFA’s tournaments to a private company. Although the plan was later abandoned, it has failed to restore confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
UEFA had already expressed a lack of confidence in the Italian-Swiss administrator, while the English Football Association and the Football Association of Wales have withdrawn their support for his re-election bid.
Reports also claim that Infantino sought assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump during a visit to the White House on Monday as he attempts to secure his political future.
If Infantino remains in office, the three confederations are reportedly considering organizing a breakaway international competition and launching an official boycott of FIFA activities. Such a move would include refusing to participate in FIFA Council and committee meetings.
Quoting an unnamed source, The Times reported that the coalition is determined to force Infantino out of office and is prepared to take “all necessary steps,” including creating alternative international competitions involving some of the world’s leading football nations.
Infantino’s support is also said to be shrinking rapidly. Reports suggest he currently has backing from only around 15 member associations, a dramatic decline from just a week ago, when he reportedly enjoyed the support of nearly all of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
To win re-election, Infantino would need at least 106 votes. While no challenger has officially entered the race, candidates have until November 18 to declare their intention to run.
Should a significant number of member associations formally demand Infantino’s resignation, FIFA could be required to convene an emergency Council meeting to address the growing crisis.
