UEFA Leads Global Campaign to Oust Gianni Infantino

Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure to step down as FIFA president after his proposal to sell shares in the FIFA World Cup to private investors sparked widespread criticism within the football community.

According to reports by The Times, senior football leaders, including UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, as well as officials from Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation, have formed an alliance aimed at challenging Infantino’s leadership.

The group is reportedly considering drastic measures if Infantino refuses to resign and seeks another term during FIFA’s presidential election in March. Among the options being discussed is the creation of alternative international competitions that would rival FIFA tournaments.

UEFA is said to already have plans for a Global Nations League, a concept first developed in 2017, which could serve as a competing event to the FIFA World Cup.

The alliance is also reportedly weighing a boycott of FIFA Council and committee meetings while refusing to endorse key decisions made under Infantino’s administration.

Reports indicate that Infantino has secured public backing from only 15 of FIFA’s 211 member associations since the controversial investment proposal became public.

The Football Association (FA) and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) have both withdrawn their support for Infantino ahead of next year’s presidential election.

In a strongly worded statement, the FAW accused Infantino of failures in governance, leadership, stakeholder management, communication and decision-making, saying he had lost its confidence and was no longer fit to lead world football. The association added that failing to prioritise the interests of the game was unacceptable.

UEFA has also warned that its member associations, including England, could boycott the FIFA World Cup if the investment proposal proceeds.

In addition, European football’s governing body is reportedly exploring legal options following the controversy. Reports say UEFA has sent letters to Infantino and several individuals and organisations linked to the proposed investment, including Joshua Kushner, Greg Maffei, JP Morgan and OpenEconomic, instructing them to preserve all documents and communications related to the proposed World Cup stake sale pending possible legal action.