Gianni Infantino under pressure at FIFA, is a power struggle now inevitable? | OneFootball

Gianni Infantino has scrapped his plan to open a World Cup commercial vehicle to private investors, a sharp retreat that weakens his position and gives UEFA an opening ahead of the 2027 election.

Announced overnight from Friday to Saturday, the decision followed internal pushback. Infantino said he had listened to all views and that the project had become too divisive to meet its aims. Support had ebbed after adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned on Friday and FIFA director general Kevin Lamour publicly challenged the plan.

Resistance hardened among confederations. After rejections from UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC, CONMEBOL sought further information and clarifications on Friday evening, leaving the proposal unlikely to survive a vote.

UEFA moved to increase the pressure, arguing Infantino had lost its confidence as well as that of many in the wider game. It has begun considering a rival for March 2027, with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi backed by some but, for now, not inclined to run.

According to Talk Sport, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has asked around 40 European federations that recently wrote in support of Infantino to withdraw those letters. Any extraordinary congress and confidence vote remains uncertain and would be a high-risk step.

Across the Atlantic, Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani has emerged as a possible contender, criticising leadership that, he said, no longer puts football first and should be fully reviewed. No other candidate has declared, with the deadline on 18 November. Infantino still has significant backing, notably in South America and Africa, and he has pledged to keep developing the game, especially where support is most needed.

Source: Le Progres