FIFA President Gianni Infantino is convening an emergency meeting with senior football officials in Morocco on Wednesday as he seeks to contain growing opposition following the collapse of a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the governing body’s commercial rights business.
The meeting comes days after Infantino abandoned plans to sell a 20% interest in a newly created commercial entity to private investors in a deal intended to raise $4.2 billion. The proposal sparked widespread criticism from football associations, particularly over the involvement of a company linked to the family of US President Donald Trump.
Although the plan was withdrawn last Friday, the decision has done little to calm concerns. Critics, led by European football governing body UEFA, accused Infantino of compromising the integrity of the sport and questioned his ability to continue leading FIFA.
The controversy has also cast uncertainty over Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president at the organisation’s Congress in Morocco next March. While his re-election had appeared almost certain only weeks ago, several European football associations have since withdrawn their support.
Pressure has also emerged from within FIFA itself. According to Reuters, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström circulated an internal message describing the failed project as a regrettable episode that had been “permanently abandoned,” while stressing that FIFA’s broader mission would continue despite recent events.
His comments echoed those of FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, who reportedly told staff they had been misled over what he characterised as an initiative driven by a single individual.
The fallout has already prompted high-profile departures and public criticism. Infantino’s senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in protest, while FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, said he had no role in drafting the proposal and supported its withdrawal.
Infantino has remained in Morocco ahead of Wednesday’s discussions, with the country’s football federation reaffirming its backing for his leadership. Officials are expected to focus on maintaining stability within FIFA as the organisation prepares for next year’s presidential election.
Under FIFA statutes, an Extraordinary Congress could be convened if at least 43 member associations formally request one. Reports have suggested that UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation are exploring options to increase pressure on Infantino, although the confederations have not publicly confirmed such plans.
Despite mounting criticism in Europe, Infantino continues to receive support from several national football associations across Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Many smaller federations have historically relied on FIFA funding, making their backing a significant factor in any leadership contest.
Among Infantino’s critics is Prince Ali bin Hussein, who accused FIFA of attempting to secure endorsements through promises of assistance, saying Jordan would not support the FIFA president.
While opposition to Infantino has intensified, no formal challenger has yet emerged ahead of the presidential election, leaving uncertainty over how the leadership contest will unfold in the months ahead.
Goodness Anunobi
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