Gianni Infantino's future with FIFA is looking increasingly tenuous.
After the FIFA president tried to sell a 21 percent private stake in the World Cup's (men's and women's) event and commercial operations to Joshua Kushner, the walls began to close in around him. The proposal has an official title of FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE).
First, UEFA, Europe's governing soccer body, voted to boycott all upcoming World Cups unless the proposal was abandoned. Then, it noted that it had formally lost confidence in Infantino's leadership for FIFA, which is up for reelection in March 2027. On Monday, the English FA, the governing body for English soccer and, quite obviously, a major, influential force on the international scene for the sport, also announced
it will officially withdraw its support for Infantino's reelection in a statement.
Woof. There's adding feathers to your cap, then there's ripping them off while tearing the fabric of a beloved hat. These developments would qualify as the latter for Infantino's FIFA future.
More from The Athletic:
“It is time for a full and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure that the global game is run transparently, for the benefit of all 211 member nations and with the long term stewardship of football at its heart,” the [English] FA’s statement read.
Yeah, talk about a true vote of no confidence. Other countries are expected to follow UEFA's and England's lead in the coming days and weeks, per The Athletic. Needless to say, if you don't have the support of Europe and a major European power like England on the international soccer scene, then you're already on very thin ice. It's worth noting that Infantino already hastily scrapped the failed FFE plans in response to UEFA's planned boycott, but the damage is done. UEFA is still reportedly seeking legal action against FIFA and Kushner over FFE, according to The New York Times.
Put another way: The mere fact that Infantino proposed it was clearly enough to spark this potentially career-damaging backlash against him. Good luck to Infantino as he tries to save face. He's going to need it.
How long has Gianni Infantino been FIFA's president?
Infantino has been president of FIFA since 2016. He took over from his predecessor, Issa Hayatou.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Gianni Infantino's future as FIFA president on thin ice after English FA withdraws support
