Infantino is experiencing an unprecedented crisis and sees an 'early election' climate at FIFA

The hegemony built since 2016 is challenged by the broad rejection of the proposal, now withdrawn, to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other competitions through a new company of the highest entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

Europe, North America and Asia were practically unanimously opposed and criticized not only the proposal, but also FIFA, which made the Italian-Swiss president abandon the plan. Amid criticism, Infantino's main advisor, Carlos Cordeiro, also opposed the proposal and resigned.

However, even after the retreat, UEFA, which governs European football, once again expressed its disapproval and indicated that it had lost confidence in Infantino's FIFA.

"We cannot continue like this with secret plans within accelerated deadlines, drawn up by faceless individuals and of dubious benefit to the game. We must identify those responsible and hold them accountable," wrote UEFA. "This is a victory for all of football. But it should not be the end of the story. The proposal has been withdrawn. The task of rebuilding trust in FIFA is just beginning," the note added.

Although UEFA spoke for its 55 national associations, the English federation also made a point of publishing its position. "It is time for a full and robust review of FIFA's leadership and governance to ensure that global sport is managed transparently, for the benefit of all 211 member nations and with the long-term stewardship of football at its heart," said the FA.

LIKELY COMPETITORS

The articulations against Infantino's stay intensified, especially after the rejection of the FFE, revealing a division between the FIFA leadership and some of the main football players around the world.

Given the wear and tear of the current administration, the British press points out that the opposition is already working on consolidating a concrete alternative for the 2027 election. The president of Concacaf, Victor Montagliani, emerges with a strengthened name to preside over FIFA from March 2027, according to talkSPORT radio.

Another consensus among Europeans, according to The Telegraph, is the name of Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain and Qatar Sports Investments. He would be seen as the candidate with the greatest chance of beating Infantino amid the current crisis as he has influence and prestige in world football.

Whether Montagliani, Al-Khelaifi or another candidate, whoever opposes Infantino in the next election will have a strong obstacle: securing broad support amid the current president's proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams. The measure is well received and supported by national federations in Africa, Asia and North and Central America, which could help Infantino in the vote.

WHO SUPPORTS CHILDREN

Despite the intense contestation in European and North American territory, Infantino is not isolated. The leader preserves important pockets of resistance, such as the African Football Confederation (CAF), which is emerging as one of his most solid pillars of support.

During the week of reactions to the FFE, the CAF's position was cautious, without showing rejection, as did three other confederations. Days after the end of the World Cup, the president of the African confederation sided with Infantino after criticism over the Balogun case and the introduction of hydration breaks.

"I like his deep love for football, his deep commitment to football on a global level and his support for Africa. Gianni has played a key role in expanding opportunities for African teams on the world stage," said Patrice Motsepe.

Among the national federations, the entities hosting the 2022 World Cup and the next World Cup also expressed support. The Moroccan congratulated Infantino after the setback and stated that she will continue to support him in his initiatives. "The decision [to retreat] was wise, as it prioritizes unity and cohesion among FIFA's member associations", wrote the Moroccan federation. The Qatari federation stated that the FFE had ideas that deserved to be evaluated, in addition to praising FIFA's retreat after the project's negative repercussions. "At the Qatari Football Federation, we reaffirm our full support for President Infantino's ongoing efforts to develop and expand football around the world," the entity concluded in a statement.

CBF DOESN’T SPEAK, CONMEBOL ESCAPE

Here, the position is neutral in relation to FIFA and Infantino's proposal. To date, the CBF has not issued any position on the FFE.

Conmebol, in turn, even published a note regarding the plan, but without taking a position or talking about possible adherence. The confederation only informed that it had asked FIFA for more details about the project.

"Conmebol initiated a consultation process with its Member Associations and called a Council meeting with the exclusive objective of analyzing and evaluating the proposal, with the responsibility and rigor that the matter requires," wrote Conmebol.