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French football legend Michel Platini has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, citing failures to uphold the rules of the game amidst scandals involving economic affairs and World Cup controversies. Infantino faces criticism for issues like unauthorized advertisement breaks during hydration time and a half-time show that exceeded the 15-minute limit, alongside the controversial suspension of a red card for American forward Folarin Balogun after Donald Trump's intervention. Platini, who has been involved in legal actions against Infantino for alleged conspiracy and false accusations, suggests that the resolution of this crisis may ultimately require court intervention rather than action from sporting institutions.

The Dutch football association (KNVB) has called for the replacement of FIFA president Gianni Infantino by 2027, emphasizing the need for a complete overhaul of FIFA's governance rather than just a change in leadership. They proposed an "International Summit on the Future of FIFA" and will prioritize reforms such as stronger checks and balances, human rights considerations, and a focus on reinvesting up to 90% of FIFA's distributable revenue into football development. The KNVB expressed its lost confidence in Infantino, specifically criticizing his recent proposal to sell FIFA event stakes to private equity investors, reflecting broader dissatisfaction among regional football bodies regarding FIFA’s current power structure.

UEFA is intensifying pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign by seeking a US federal court's permission to access testimony and documents about the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) subsidiary, which Infantino developed without adhering to FIFA's governance processes. UEFA's lawyers indicated potential criminal proceedings against Infantino under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code, alleging that Infantino's plan significantly undervalued FIFA's commercial rights and was not subjected to open auction or independent valuation. UEFA is particularly interested in documents related to a meeting in New York City where several FIFA directors were briefed on FFE, with reports that two of the five attending directors opposed the plan.

Saudi Arabia's football federation has expressed support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino amidst ongoing criticism related to the collapse of the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, emphasizing the need for dialogue among football stakeholders. Infantino, who is up for re-election for a fourth term in March, faces mounting pressure and criticism from three confederations, including UEFA, which have discussed a potential vote of no confidence against him, while several countries have withdrawn their support. Despite this, the African and South American confederations continue to back Infantino, while UEFA has retracted a previous threat to boycott FIFA competitions following assurances that the failed sell-off plan will not be revived.

Italy's football federation (FIGC) has retracted its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino due to his unsuccessful attempt to sell shares in the World Cup, aligning with other European nations like England, Ireland, and Wales in withdrawing backing ahead of the FIFA Congress where he seeks re-election. FIGC President Giovanni Malago stated the decision reflects their commitment to a football governance model based on merit and solidarity, while some former star players, including Fabio Cannavaro and Cafu, publicly supported Infantino, emphasizing improvements in world football over the past decade. UEFA has also decided to lift its threat of boycotting FIFA competitions after receiving assurances that Infantino's failed plan will not be revisited.

European Leagues president Claudius Schaefer has stated that Gianni Infantino cannot have a future at FIFA, highlighting concerns over his leadership and the growing influence he wields without consulting stakeholders in decisions affecting the sport. Infantino is facing pressure to resign from three confederations, including UEFA and CONCACAF, amid calls for a potential vote of no confidence related to controversial actions like awarding a FIFA peace prize to Donald Trump and a decision impacting player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. Schaefer emphasized that reforms in FIFA's governance are crucial and argued that the integrity of the organization can only be restored with a new president.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in charge for over 10 years, is facing increasing disapproval and calls for his ouster as he prepares for his extraordinary fourth term amid waning support from national football federations and regional confederations. His controversial plans, including privatizing the World Cup for profit and close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, have resulted in backlash, including pledges from European nations to boycott FIFA events. The next presidential election will occur on March 18, 2027, with candidates needing to declare by November 18, 2026, despite Infantino's presidency being limited to three terms, which he has attempted to circumvent.

Former Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o has expressed support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating he "hasn't done anything wrong" despite mounting pressure for his resignation over a failed World Cup selloff plan that was intended to secure private investment for FIFA tournaments. The proposal, which would have allocated substantial funding to FIFA’s 211 member associations, faced significant opposition and was ultimately abandoned, leading to potential no-confidence votes from UEFA, the AFC, and CONCACAF. In contrast, the Confederation of African Football has reaffirmed its support for Infantino, with Eto'o defending him as someone who has enhanced opportunities for smaller nations in World Cup events and helped accelerate the development of African federations.

European football chief Aleksander Ceferin stated he is "not interested" in replacing FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who faces increasing pressure to resign due to controversial plans for private investment in FIFA tournaments. Ceferin warned that Infantino either needs to recognize his dwindling support from the football community or prepare for a leadership challenge, with possible contenders including CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa. Infantino, who has held his position since 2016, continues to seek support from less affluent football nations to secure re-election at the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2026.

Six Nordic football associations, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands, have expressed a lack of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and called for significant governance reforms within FIFA. They support demands for an independent investigation into Infantino's previously proposed plan to sell a stake in events like the World Cup to private equity, which was abandoned after public backlash. The associations also backed UEFA and other confederations in calls for a no-confidence vote against Infantino and emphasized the need for binding guarantees against private ownership in FIFA's governance and competitions.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended an Under-14 football event in the Caribbean despite a request from CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani to stay away due to ongoing controversies surrounding his failed proposal to sell World Cup profits to private investors. Montagliani and other FIFA vice presidents criticized Infantino's leadership as he navigates backlash from a $20 billion project and faces calls for his resignation, highlighting governance issues within FIFA. Infantino is seeking re-election for a fourth term in March 2027, with a candidate entry deadline of November 18, 2026.

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani has urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to avoid attending a youth football tournament in the Dominican Republic due to concerns that his presence would detract from the event amidst growing calls for his resignation from three confederations. Infantino, under pressure from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF following a failed proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup, is facing a potential vote of no confidence as he seeks a fourth term until 2031. Despite mounting opposition, Infantino was welcomed by Dominican officials upon his arrival, as they expressed appreciation for his visit's potential to elevate Dominican football.

UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF are contemplating a vote of no confidence against FIFA President Gianni Infantino due to his controversial proposal to sell private investors a stake in FIFA events, including the World Cup. FIFA's revenue for the 2023-2026 cycle is projected to exceed $15 billion, primarily from the 2026 World Cup, and despite facing criticism from three continental confederations, Infantino still has significant support among many member associations. The FIFA statutes stipulate that an Extraordinary Congress can be called within three months if one-fifth of its 211 member associations request it, although there is no specific provision for a vote of no confidence in the president.

FIFA's Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has left the organization effective August 17, 2026, following his criticism of Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights, which he labeled as a personal project. The controversial plan involved creating a $20 billion subsidiary and selling up to a 20% stake to raise $4.2 billion, leading to significant backlash from various football confederations, including UEFA and CONCACAF, against Infantino's leadership. Infantino's bid for a fourth presidential term in March 2027 is now uncertain, as organizations such as FairSquare have urged FIFA to rule him ineligible, citing a breach of term limits.

Human rights organization FairSquare has called on FIFA to declare Gianni Infantino ineligible for a new term, citing that he has already served the maximum allowed three terms in office. Infantino's current interpretation, which categorizes his initial 2016-2022 term as not counting towards this limit, has drawn criticism for being inconsistent with FIFA statutes, and concerns over transparency regarding this ruling have been raised. The upcoming FIFA Congress, where a vote on his re-election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Morocco, is expected to be contentious, with some national associations and confederations pushing for his resignation.

Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, expressed his support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has faced backlash for his plan to sell a 20% stake in a new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise, aimed at enhancing the World Cup. The plan drew criticism from major football organizations, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, and has impacted Infantino's re-election bid next year. Giuliani attributed the criticism to jealousy and political motivations, asserting that Infantino has significantly advanced FIFA's stature in the sports world.

New Zealand has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s re-election due to issues stemming from his failed proposal to sell 20% of FIFA's commercial rights, which aimed to raise about $4.2 billion. Infantino's plan, which included a $20 million grant for member associations that could have been doubled, faced backlash from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF, representing 136 of the 211 member associations. Despite the turmoil, Infantino retains support from African and South American confederations, as well as several Arab national football associations, with a review called for to ensure greater transparency in FIFA’s leadership decisions.

Africa football confederation chief Patrice Motsepe stated that FIFA president Gianni Infantino's future should be determined through elections, as Ireland became the latest federation to withdraw support amid mounting criticism over Infantino's failed plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC have expressed a desire for Infantino to resign before the March elections, emphasizing a loss of trust in his leadership. While several associations, including the Football Associations of Ireland, England, and Wales, have rescinded their support, six Arab federations continue to back Infantino amidst ongoing controversies regarding governance and transparency.

Six heads of Arab national football associations, including those from Qatar and Morocco, have expressed their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino amidst a crisis following a failed private investment plan intended to raise $4.2 billion. Infantino's proposal, which included a $20 million grant for member associations, faced backlash from three confederations—UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF—representing 136 of the 211 member associations eligible to vote in the upcoming FIFA presidential election in March. Despite the opposition, the Arab football leaders reaffirmed their confidence in Infantino's leadership and commitment to advancing football globally.

US President Donald Trump stated that it would be "a terrible mistake" to replace FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who faced criticism for attempting to introduce private investment into the World Cup. Infantino, who has been FIFA’s president for 10 years, received backing from several confederations, although UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC accused him of breaking trust through deception, and UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments if the investment plan proceeded. As Infantino prepares for re-election in March 2027, a candidate must be declared by November 18, while the support for him includes backing from the Confederation of African Football and select members from CONCACAF and the AFC.

Three continental football federations, UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC, have united in an "Open Letter to the Football Family," criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership and a now-cancelled proposal to sell part of FIFA's commercial operations, highlighting it as a "fundamental breach of trust." If these federations align against Infantino in the upcoming presidential election in March 2027, they could secure enough votes to oust him, as FIFA has 211 voting members and 106 are needed for a candidate to win in a two-horse race. While UEFA's opposition appears united, support for Infantino remains mixed in CONCACAF and AFC, with nations like Mexico and Qatar showing divided loyalty, but he has recently gained the backing of the African confederation, CAF.

Three continental federations—UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC—have issued an open letter criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership, particularly focusing on a now-abandoned plan to sell part of FIFA's commercial operations, which they deemed a "fundamental breach of trust." With FIFA having 211 voting members, a two-horse race for the presidency next February would require 106 votes, and if these federations voted as a bloc, they could potentially oust Infantino; however, support within CONCACAF and AFC appears mixed, with nations like Mexico and Qatar diverging from the majority stance. Despite this opposition, Infantino has secured backing from the African confederation (CAF) and has not yet faced a challenger, raising questions about the dynamics leading up to the upcoming presidential election.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces renewed criticism from UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC, which issued a joint letter stating that football "belongs to no individual" and calling for an independent review of a controversial stake sale proposal. Infantino's leadership has been challenged since his attempt to introduce private investment into FIFA competitions, a plan he quickly withdrew, and almost 70 of FIFA's 211-member associations have publicly expressed their support for him, while about a dozen have retracted their backing. The confederations emphasized the need for unity in football and accountability, criticizing a recent FIFA emergency meeting in which only one elected official attended.

FIFA warned against efforts to undermine President Gianni Infantino, stating these attempts must follow its statutes and democratic procedures, following the failure of his proposal to raise $4.2 billion through selling commercial rights. Recent events have intensified criticism, with UEFA and various national associations calling for Infantino’s resignation, yet he continues to receive support from FIFA's 211 member associations, including unanimous backing from the Confederation of African Football. Despite turmoil over payments reported to be linked to Infantino, FIFA stated it would not tolerate processes that deviate from its established governance framework.

FIFA has issued a warning against efforts to undermine President Gianni Infantino amid controversy over a failed investment plan that included offering up to a 20% stake to external investors, which drew criticism from UEFA and national associations. The pressure intensified following reports of a six-figure payment to a female employee who allegedly had a relationship with Infantino, which he categorically denied; UEFA confirmed this payment was in line with regulations at the time. Despite the growing calls for his resignation, Infantino secured support from FIFA's Board of Management and strong backing from some confederations, like CAF and CONMEBOL, while UEFA expressed lost confidence in his leadership.

Fifa has criticized what it describes as a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine its president Gianni Infantino, who strongly denies recent allegations concerning an affair and severance payment linked to his time at Uefa. Uefa and several European football associations have expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino, with Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness publicly calling for his resignation, while Fifa maintains support from other bodies like the Mexican Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football, which collectively represent 211 member countries. In response to the growing pressure, Fifa has emphasized its commitment to integrity and good governance, stating that it will not tolerate attacks on its leadership or distortions of facts.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly denied allegations of a severance payment made by UEFA to a female employee with whom he allegedly had a relationship during his time as general-secretary, calling the claims defamatory. However, UEFA confirmed that a six-figure departure payment was made to the individual, in addition to fees for an MBA course, stating it was in line with regulations. Amid these allegations, UEFA has expressed a lack of confidence in Infantino, with calls from some member associations for his resignation, although support for him continues from football associations in Mexico, Argentina, and Africa.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited Colombia to garner support amid the ongoing crisis at FIFA, meeting with top South American football officials including CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez in Cali. While Infantino seeks a fourth term in the FIFA presidential election set for March and faces criticism from UEFA, he received backing from multiple South American federations, including the Argentine and Paraguayan federations, as they praised the withdrawal of a controversial plan for private investment in FIFA. Additionally, Infantino expressed his joy at participating in a children's football festival in Cali, emphasizing the unity and happiness that football brings.

BBC questioned FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding his support from Conmebol amidst calls for his resignation following his failed attempt to sell private stakes in the World Cup. Infantino did not respond to the inquiries during his visit to Colombia for the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. His controversial actions have led to significant scrutiny of his leadership within the football community.

The support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino has solidified with Argentina and Mexico backing him, following a unanimous endorsement from Africa's Confederation of African Football (CAF), which consists of 54 members. Infantino is facing significant opposition from UEFA, which has voted to boycott FIFA, and has been called for resignation by Norway, while South America's CONMEBOL and Argentina's football association (AFA) have shown support for his leadership. The upcoming FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2027 is poised to be a pivotal moment, where Infantino may face challenges for his presidency amid ongoing tensions within the sport.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously expressed its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, contrasting the stance of UEFA, which has announced a boycott of future World Cups while Infantino remains in office. CAF, representing 54 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, has been a reliable voting bloc for Infantino since his election in 2016, and its endorsement follows the abandonment of Infantino's controversial plan to sell World Cup commercial rights. CAF president Patrice Motsepe emphasized the importance of governance and transparency in football while reaffirming their commitment to collaboration with FIFA and the global football community.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino, despite facing scrutiny over a scrapped proposal to sell stakes in Fifa's global competitions, retains support from several African football associations, with five out of seven Fifa Council members from Africa publicly backing him. Notably, Morocco, which will co-host the men's 2030 World Cup, has reaffirmed its support alongside other nations like Egypt and the DR Congo, emphasizing the benefits they've received from Fifa's Forward programme initiated in 2016. This programme has provided essential funding for football projects in regions with limited commercial investment, but there are rising calls for greater governance and sustainability in Fifa's engagement with African football.

UEFA, representing 55 European nations, has decided to maintain its boycott of the World Cup, demanding guarantees that FIFA will not attempt to commercialize the tournament again. The boycott follows FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposed plan to sell stakes in World Cup operations to private investors, which faced significant backlash and internal opposition within FIFA. Infantino, who previously announced intentions to run for another term in March, may face severe consequences if the boycott continues, especially with upcoming tournaments in 2026 and the Women's World Cup in Brazil next year.

European teams may still consider boycotting competitions like the World Cup, as Uefa stated that Fifa's defense of president Gianni Infantino "changes nothing," following the English FA's withdrawal of support for him after a controversial plan to sell stakes in World Cup rights to private investors. Infantino had proposed offering $40 million (around £30 million) to associations that supported private investment in tournaments, a plan Uefa rejected as it demanded retraction of these proposals and assurances against future attempts to alter the game's integrity. Despite Uefa's loss of confidence in Infantino, he appears to have rallied support among some Fifa management members, while others within the organization criticized his handling of the situation, suggesting a divide in trust and confidence in his leadership.

UEFA has unanimously voted to withdraw from all FIFA events due to dissatisfaction with FIFA's failure to meet the conditions for collaboration, specifically regarding the plan to sell minority stakes in World Cups. Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino's withdrawal of the proposal, UEFA stated that two primary conditions remain unmet: the absence of future plans to commercialize major competitions and assurances against such actions in the future. UEFA's boycott first impacts the FIFA Women’s Under-20 World Cup, scheduled for September 5, 2026, while UEFA has also issued a document preservation letter to ensure no evidence is destroyed for potential legal actions.

UEFA Vice President Laura McAllister emphasized that any future FIFA president should be a "custodian of the sport" who can unite global football, especially in light of current president Gianni Infantino's controversies following his retracted World Cup investment plan. FIFA’s leadership expressed support for Infantino and apologized to its 211 member associations for the previous mistakes, while acknowledging the need for governance reforms to modernize football's leadership structures. McAllister noted that finding a credible challenger to Infantino could be challenging due to the political landscape in football, advocating for fundamental changes to ensure the game serves all constituents, from grassroots to elite levels.

FIFA's internal crisis, highlighted by the failed proposal to sell a portion of World Cup commercial rights, has led to scrutiny of how the organization is governed as it approaches the presidential election in March. Following a meeting in Rabat, FIFA apologized to its 211 members and acknowledged its mishandling of the proposal, while also facing criticism from the European Leagues regarding the short four-week assessment timeline for expanding the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams. Despite the backlash, FIFA's leadership publicly endorsed President Gianni Infantino as he seeks a fourth term, with plans for a review of its processes coming before the next council meeting.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has gained full support from FIFA's Board of Management despite increasing pressure for his resignation from UEFA amidst a crisis involving the planned FIFA Forward Enterprise, which aims to offer up to 20% stakes to external investors for the men’s World Cup. Infantino has overseen significant revenue growth during his tenure, with expectations that FIFA's earnings for the 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams and 104 games, could reach double the $5.8 billion reported for 2022, largely driven by a dynamic pricing system for tickets. His rise to the FIFA presidency occurred in February 2016 after a series of scandals, positioning him as a candidate promising reform and increased financial support for member associations.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino received internal support during a crisis meeting in Morocco amidst criticism over his abandoned plans to sell stakes in the World Cup, with senior staff reaffirming their support despite a recent letter acknowledging mistakes. The proposal to sell profits via a subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise has been scrapped, and the association of European soccer leagues called for governance reform, emphasizing concerns over FIFA's decision-making processes. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino, labeling his governance approach as a "fatal" failure due to a lack of consultation with senior advisers.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced backlash for a proposal to sell a 20% stake in a new commercial rights entity, which would have raised approximately $4.2 billion (€3.6 billion) from private investors; however, the plan has since been scrapped following widespread outrage. At a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco, FIFA's management board apologized for the errors surrounding the leaked proposal while reaffirming their support for Infantino, who will face re-election in March. UEFA, CONCACAF, and other organizations expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino's leadership, criticizing the lack of consultation and the short assessment timeline for expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams.

FIFA leadership reaffirmed its support for President Gianni Infantino after he abandoned a controversial plan to sell 20% of World Cup commercial rights, which could have raised $4.2 billion. The decision came during a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco, following pressure from UEFA and other confederations that jeopardized Infantino’s anticipated re-election in March 2027. UEFA expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino, while reports indicated potential actions from multiple federations if he did not resign, though some, including Qatar, continued to back him.

Gianni Infantino has apologized for his controversial plans to sell stakes in Fifa competitions to private investors but will remain president after securing support from senior executives during a meeting in Morocco. Infantino had proposed offering $40 million to each member association in exchange for backing the Fifa Forward Enterprise project, which faced significant backlash, including a loss of confidence from Uefa and internal criticism from Fifa officials. Despite the mounting criticism, Infantino is expected to run for a fourth term in the upcoming election in March 2027, with rivals needing to submit their candidacies by November 18.

Gianni Infantino has abandoned plans for a FIFA commercial subsidiary, leading to UEFA's cessation of its boycott of FIFA events and a focus on rebuilding trust, especially with the upcoming U20 World Cup and U17 World Cup. Multiple European football associations, including Finland, Wales, and England, have publicly withdrawn support for Infantino, while Germany's FA has yet to do so but is expected to follow suit amid calls for a change in FIFA leadership due to loss of trust in Infantino's decisions. The FIFA presidential election is set for March 18, 2027, where Infantino will need to secure 106 out of 211 votes from member states to win re-election, facing pressure from dissenting council members and the possibility of a vote of no confidence if 19 out of 37 council members support his resignation.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces mounting opposition to his plan to sell a $4.2 billion stake in a new commercial subsidiary, with UEFA's 55 member associations voting unanimously to boycott future FIFA competitions, including the 2030 men's World Cup. Senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, questioning the need for private equity investment given FIFA's reported $15 billion in revenue between 2022 and 2026 and its substantial reserves. FIFA insists that "nobody is selling football" and is proceeding with its plans, while member associations must decide by September 19.

FIFA plans to create a subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise to sell a minority stake in World Cup operations to private investors, aiming to generate billions of dollars. The controversial initiative, which has drawn criticism from various stakeholders for concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest with connections to the Trump family, promises to invest profits back into football, offering $20 million to each of its 211 member associations in 2027, increasing to $24 million by 2035. The proposal has received nearly unanimous opposition from national federations and fan groups, particularly regarding the lack of consultation prior to its announcement.

FIFA announced plans to create a new commercial subsidiary named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) valued at $20 billion, intending to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes to long-term investors. The move aims to reinvest all net benefits back into global football, although FIFA did not clarify what these benefits entail. UEFA criticized the plan strongly, stating it "crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross," emphasizing that football's governance should not be treated as tradable assets.