Expert comment: pressure grows for FIFA boss to quit

“The saga concerning FIFA and its President, Gianni Infantino, refuses to go away following the scrapping of a plan to ‘sell-off’ the commercial assets, such as the FIFA World Cup, through private investment into FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) last weekend.

“As expected, there was mass opposition to this plan led by European Football’s governing body, UEFA, who, following an emergency meeting of its 55 member nations, threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions if the plan went ahead.

“Fast forward one week and the ‘mission’ to remove Infantino from his role as FIFA President seems unabated.

“Following key resignations and removal of support of key members close to Infantino, news emerged of an allegation of a ‘pay-off’ of an alleged ‘mistress’ by UEFA, whilst Infantino was employed prior to his arrival at FIFA in 2016, which he strongly denies. It appeared the writing was on the wall for the beleaguered President last week, however some nations and some key figures at FIFA have come out in support. Although one wonders what might have been promised in exchange!

“Today it has emerged three federations – UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF – are resolute in their pursuit of his removal by publishing an open letter to the ‘football family’ referring to a “breach of trust” through “deception” and a leader who “abandoned their duty” (without specifically naming Infantino). The three-page document again referred to the World Cup sell-off plans, rejecting FIFA’s claim it was simply a “mistake,” calling it “a profound error of judgement” for which there is “no recognition.”

“FIFA and its under-fire President appear to be circling the wagons following a meeting in Morocco last week. But, with the concerted efforts from the three confederations, surely the end is nigh - whether that is in the form of a resignation, or a vote of no confidence! This cannot go on until the FIFA Congress in March 2027 with the very future of world football at stake! Something has to give…”