Fifa president Gianni Infantino faces mounting challenges to his authority, a stark contrast to his status just two months ago when he appeared certain to secure a fourth term without opposition. The shift follows backlash regarding his now-cancelled proposal to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors.
BBC Sport analyzed the positions of Fifa’s 210 member associations, revealing deep global division. While initial support for Infantino was overwhelming, the political landscape is shifting. Recent data indicates 73 associations favor him, 124 oppose him, and 13 remain undecided, though these figures are subject to change.
The tension escalated after Uefa, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation issued a joint statement accusing Fifa of breaching trust. However, internal fractures exist; some members, such as Mexico in Concacaf and nations like Bhutan and the UAE in Asia, have maintained support for Infantino. Meanwhile, he retains solid backing from African and South American confederations, where the Fifa Forward investment program has bolstered his popularity.
To remove the president, critics could attempt to force a resignation via an emergency council meeting requiring 19 of 37 votes, though this is considered unlikely. A more probable route involves mounting a formal challenge for the March election, with the deadline for candidates set for November. Analysts have identified Concacaf president Victor Montagliani as a potential contender who could unite opposition forces. As the situation evolves, the lack of a singular rival candidate remains the primary hurdle for those seeking to replace the current leadership.
