FIFA president Gianni Infantino faced mounting pressure from critics seeking to unseat him as he chaired the world football governing body’s annual council meeting at its headquarters in Switzerland on Thursday.
The meeting marked the first time Infantino had faced the 37-member council since he was forced to abandon his controversial and secretive plan to sell off World Cup-related commercial rights to private investors.
Associated Press reporter Graham Dunbar described the meeting as an attempt by Infantino to protect his presidency, which he said was facing its biggest crisis in 11 years.
Infantino is seeking another four-year term that would keep him in office until 2031.
The confrontation with his most determined opponents from Europe and North America came ahead of the November 18 deadline for candidates to declare their intention to contest the FIFA presidency.
Infantino had appeared poised to secure another term after the World Cup final near New York on July 19. However, details of the private investment proposal emerged nine days later, triggering criticism and deepening divisions within the organisation.
Thursday’s meeting offered his opponents, many of them associated with the European football governing body, UEFA, an opportunity to express their concerns directly.
Member federations have five more weeks to identify a candidate with broad support before the March 2027 presidential election in Rabat, Morocco, where representatives of FIFA’s 211 member associations will vote.
Infantino apologised to his strongest critics on Thursday over the failed World Cup proposal but did not provide further details.
When European football officials pressed him to provide written evidence and explanations about the private equity plan, which had provoked an international rift, he asked them to submit their questions in writing.
He also offered no explanation for US President Donald Trump’s intervention in a World Cup disciplinary matter that resulted in the withdrawal of a red card issued to a leading American player during the tournament.
Critics increasingly argue that FIFA has become too centred on Infantino, whom they accuse of showing insufficient regard for established procedures, conventions and rules.
His close political relationships with leaders such as Trump have also raised concerns about the organisation’s reputation and independence.
German football leader Bernd Neuendorf said FIFA needed a leader of integrity who could help rebuild public confidence in the governing body.
“We need a person of integrity, someone who can be expected to restore the reputation of the association, which has undoubtedly been lost,” Neuendorf said.
The pressure comes despite FIFA’s strong financial position following the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, which generated record profits. The organisation’s reserves now stand at nearly $6 billion.
Among the issues discussed at Thursday’s meeting was Infantino’s proposal to allocate $15 million to each of FIFA’s 211 member federations. The proposal has drawn attention because the same federations will determine the organisation’s next president.
Council members also discussed the circumstances surrounding the creation of a FIFA peace prize by Infantino and its presentation to Trump during the World Cup draw in December.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership as potential challengers weigh their options ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
