Written by Amna Hassan
Just when the re-election of FIFA President Gianni Infantino seemed a foregone conclusion, a controversial investment deal turned the scene upside down, putting the man’s future at the helm of the world’s largest football organization to an unprecedented test.
Infantino called an urgent meeting with top football officials in the Moroccan city of Salé, in an attempt to contain the fallout from the crisis that erupted following the collapse of the $4.2 billion sale of the 20% commercial rights to the World Cup, a deal that sparked widespread criticism both within and outside FIFA.
European anger and accusations of unilateral management
The deal, which involved a company with ties to the family of former US President Donald Trump, sparked widespread objections due to the nature of the proposed partner and the short deadline given to officials to study its details before making a decision.
Despite Infantino's retreat from the project under pressure from criticism, this was not enough to contain the anger, as the European Football Association announced the withdrawal of its support for the current president, accusing him of making fateful decisions unilaterally, while the European leagues, which represent more than 1,300 clubs, demanded reforms that would ensure broader participation in strategic decisions within FIFA.
The criticism did not stop at the borders of Europe, as reports revealed that senior officials within FIFA themselves expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the file was being handled, considering that the project was put forward without sufficient institutional consultations.
Africa stands by Infantino
In contrast, Infantino still retains a strong support base within the African continent, led by the president of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, who described him as a ”loyal friend” of the continent, confirming his continued support for him despite increasing pressure.
Prominent sports figures from Morocco, Egypt and Mauritania have also announced their support for Infantino’s continued tenure, while observers believe that the financial support programs provided by the “FIFA Forward” project to national federations have played an important role in strengthening this support.
Open election battle
With the FIFA presidential elections scheduled for next March approaching, the crisis appears likely to escalate, especially since the FIFA regulations allow for an extraordinary meeting to challenge Infantino's presidency if 43 member countries submit a formal request.
Despite the European storm, the FIFA president is counting on his network of allies in Africa and other regions to maintain his position until 2031, while awaiting whether the opposition will succeed in uniting its ranks and putting forward a candidate capable of competing with him in one of the most exciting election battles in the history of the International Federation of Football Associations.
