A major power struggle has erupted in world football after the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) reportedly demanded that FIFA President Gianni Infantino resign or face a vote aimed at removing him from office. The warning follows growing criticism of his leadership after FIFA abandoned its controversial $20 billion commercial investment plan.
According to reports, UEFA believes confidence in Infantino’s leadership has been seriously damaged by the failed proposal, which would have allowed private investors to acquire a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other major competitions. The plan faced widespread opposition from football bodies around the world before it was withdrawn.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin is said to have informed member associations that the organisation is prepared to pursue stronger measures if Infantino refuses to step aside. Reports indicate that European football leaders are considering an emergency vote of no confidence against the FIFA president.
The disagreement has exposed growing divisions between FIFA and several continental football organisations, with critics accusing the world football governing body of making major decisions without adequate consultation or transparency.
Infantino recently withdrew the investment proposal after facing mounting pressure from football federations, senior FIFA officials and other stakeholders who argued that the plan could hand excessive influence over the sport’s finances to private investors.
Despite the withdrawal of the proposal, UEFA insists the issue goes beyond a single policy, arguing that the controversy has raised broader concerns about FIFA’s governance, accountability and decision-making process.
The growing crisis has also fuelled speculation that Infantino could face a serious challenge when FIFA elects its next president, with several football administrators reportedly being considered as possible successors if he decides to step down or is forced out.
The latest developments mark one of the biggest leadership challenges of Infantino’s presidency since he assumed office in 2016 and could have significant implications for the future direction of world football.