FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing one of the most significant political crises since taking office in 2016. Major continental federations have begun exploring a potential no-confidence motion amid escalating disputes over a controversial investment project concerning World Cup commercial rights.
According to informed sources speaking to Reuters, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) are considering a move that could ultimately lead to Infantino’s removal from office.
This potential step comes as the FIFA president remains committed to running in the March 2027 elections, turning the current crisis from a commercial dispute into a battle over the future of global football leadership.
Infantino’s World Cup project sparks the clash
The crisis erupted following the collapse of a project intended to create a FIFA-owned commercial entity, offering a minority stake to private investors to manage commercial rights related to the World Cup.
The project drew strong objections from continental federations, particularly regarding concerns over the process, governance, and the transparency of decision-making within the international federation.
FIFA acknowledged errors in handling the proposal and issued an apology to member associations. However, the apology failed to resolve the dispute, instead opening a broader debate on how the federation is managed and the limits governing its commercial and strategic decisions.
In a previous joint statement, UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF accused FIFA leadership of a “fundamental breach of trust,” signaling that the crisis has transcended a mere disagreement over an investment deal.
No-confidence: A weapon never used before
The path being considered by the continental federations is of exceptional significance; according to Reuters, there is no precedent in FIFA’s 122-year history for a General Congress voting to withdraw confidence from a sitting president.
Under the FIFA Statutes, the FIFA Council can call an Extraordinary Congress, and is obligated to do so if one-fifth of the 211 member associations submit a written request detailing the items to be discussed.
Consequently, such a move would require the support of at least 43 associations to force an Extraordinary Congress, which must then be held within three months of meeting the requirements.
The FIFA Statutes do not contain an explicit article regulating a no-confidence vote, setting the stage for a legal and political battle over how any such move would be implemented.
In the Congress, each present member association has one vote, meaning the battle won’t just be decided by the major continental powers, but will ultimately depend on the ability to mobilize enough national associations.
Infantino facing two options
According to one source who spoke to Reuters, the crisis may leave Infantino with two choices: to depart quietly by not seeking a new term, or to face a push for his removal.
However, the second path offers no guaranteed results, a fact his opponents recognize.
Sources indicate that the three continental federations fear a failed no-confidence attempt could backfire by exposing the true extent of the support Infantino still enjoys among national associations, potentially giving him a strong political boost ahead of the 2027 elections.
The irony lies here: an attempt to oust Infantino could, if it fails, turn into an early campaign in his favor.
Uefa: We are not ruling anything out
UEFA has not explicitly confirmed that a no-confidence vote is on the table, but it has maintained its stance calling for a comprehensive and radical review of FIFA’s leadership and governance system.
Featured image via the Canary
By Alaa Shamali
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