Gianni Infantino is confronting opposition from members of the Fifa Council who are seeking to convene an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), a move that could escalate into a direct challenge to his leadership.
Efforts to secure an EGM had reportedly begun before details emerged of Infantino’s abandoned proposal to sell shares in the World Cup. Council members are also calling for an independent investigation into the unusual decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the tournament, a matter that included several telephone conversations with Donald Trump.
The Fifa Council is the governing organization’s principal decision-making body. It consists of 28 delegates from the six confederations, eight vice-presidents and Infantino. Under its regulations, support from half of the council—or 19 of its 37 members—is enough to initiate an EGM.
The group opposing Infantino is believed to have already attracted more than 10 members before reports revealed that he had privately suggested selling a 20% interest in a newly created World Cup operating company to Thrive Capital. The investment firm was established by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.
Dissatisfied council members had considered demanding Infantino’s resignation if he declined to authorize an independent inquiry into the Balogun case. The controversy prompted the Norwegian FA to submit a formal complaint to the International Olympic Committee, claiming that Fifa violated political-neutrality rules by yielding to pressure from Trump.
Fifa maintains that the proper procedures were observed and that its ethics committee reached the decision independently. However, it has not yet released a written account of the hearing.
Infantino’s reversal over the proposed World Cup stake sale is expected to have strengthened the position of his opponents. The proposal was withdrawn in a Fifa statement issued early on Saturday after Uefa, the North American confederation Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation publicly rejected it.
Uefa and Concacaf later released additional statements criticizing Infantino and demanding an extensive examination of Fifa’s governance. It remains uncertain whether they can obtain enough backing from other regions to remove him from office.
The Confederation of African Football and South America’s Conmebol continue to support Infantino, while the Qatar Football Association has also issued a statement endorsing his continuation as president.
Europe and North America account for 14 of the council’s 37 members, meaning support from Asian representatives would be necessary to place substantial pressure on Infantino.
The Fifa Council is not scheduled to gather until November, but the opposition group is working rapidly to secure an EGM at which Infantino would be required to address the allegations. If he refuses to approve an external review of the Balogun matter, efforts to remove him are expected to intensify, and possible replacement candidates are already being approached.
Qatar’s position appears to eliminate Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi as a possible candidate. Attention may instead turn to Victor Montagliani, the Canadian president of Concacaf, and whether he is willing to challenge Infantino. A bid by AFC president Sheikh Salman, who narrowly lost the 2016 Fifa election to Infantino, would be difficult without support from his own confederation.
Infantino has received more than 200 letters supporting his campaign for another term, although those endorsements may still be withdrawn. Rival candidates have until 18 November to declare their intention to compete.
A separate route to removing Infantino would involve calling an emergency Fifa Congress and holding a vote of no confidence in his presidency. Such a meeting can be requested if 43 national associations submit supporting letters.
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