Can Infantino Hold On to the FIFA Presidency?

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term in 2027, once considered almost certain, has come under growing scrutiny following controversy over a proposal to sell commercial rights linked to the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments to private investors.

FIFA recently announced that it had withdrawn the proposal. While the decision has been welcomed across the football community, it is widely seen as a significant setback for Infantino. Within days of the proposal becoming public, several FIFA member associations and confederations voiced strong objections, arguing that such a major decision had been advanced without proper consultation and could undermine the integrity of the sport.

Infantino became FIFA president in 2016 after Sepp Blatter's departure, promising greater transparency and accountability. Over the years, however, his leadership has faced repeated criticism, with opponents accusing him of adopting an increasingly authoritarian style.

He had previously abandoned a proposed $25 billion private investment plan for the Club World Cup in 2018 following opposition from UEFA. His support for Qatar during the 2022 World Cup, the awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, and decisions surrounding Inter Miami's participation in the FIFA Club World Cup have also drawn criticism.

His close relationship with US President Donald Trump has further fuelled debate. Critics have questioned his decision to present FIFA's own "Peace Prize" to Trump, as well as the reversal of a red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. Reports linking people close to the Trump family to the proposed World Cup commercial deal have also intensified the controversy.

Following FIFA's decision to abandon the proposal, UEFA said secretive plans prepared without transparency were unacceptable and called for those responsible to be held accountable. The organisation also claimed that the current FIFA leadership had lost the confidence of a large section of the global football community.

Despite the criticism, Infantino's future remains undecided. Removing him from office would require the support of 43 FIFA member associations along with a strong challenger. The deadline for presidential nominations is 18 November, while the election is scheduled to take place on 18 March next year at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.

Infantino continues to enjoy the backing of influential figures, including Donald Trump, Qatar's royal family, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, the latest controversy has cast fresh uncertainty over his political standing within world football.