Key facts
- UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF are considering a no-confidence vote against FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- The potential vote stems from Infantino's controversial proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors.
- There is no known precedent for a no-confidence vote against a sitting FIFA president in the organization's 122-year history.
- FIFA's statutes allow for an Extraordinary Congress to be convened under specific conditions.
- FIFA COO Kevin Lamour departed the organization after criticizing the investment proposal.
- European Football Clubs (EFC) have aligned with UEFA and others seeking change, warning of potential non-participation in future tournaments.
Regional soccer powerhouses, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF, are reportedly discussing a vote of no confidence to oust FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The move is a response to Infantino's controversial proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights to private investors, a plan that has caused a significant breach of trust among these confederations.
Sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that the confederations are weighing their options, with one suggesting Infantino could either step down voluntarily or face a no-confidence vote. FIFA statutes allow for an Extraordinary Congress to be convened if requested by one-fifth of its 211 member associations, with a vote to be held within three months. However, FIFA's statutes do not contain specific provisions for a no-confidence vote against its president.
UEFA and CONCACAF have previously issued statements criticizing FIFA's leadership and governance, with UEFA stating that "no option should be off the table." While Infantino intends to seek reelection in March 2027 and retains support from some confederations, notably the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the fallout from the investment proposal has been severe. FIFA has apologized for its handling of the matter, but the departure of FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, who had criticized the proposal, and the withdrawal of support from FIFA Vice President Sandor Csanyi have intensified the pressure.
Despite the opposition, Infantino's opponents face challenges, including the lack of a publicly declared challenger and Infantino's continued backing from parts of FIFA's membership. European Football Clubs (EFC), representing over 800 clubs and chaired by Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, has also aligned with calls for change, warning of potential non-participation in future Club World Cups if governance concerns are not addressed. Experts suggest that even an electoral victory for Infantino might not resolve the deep divisions within world soccer's governing body.