Infantino Faces Unprecedented Backlash Amid UEFA Boycott Threat

Analysis

Infantino Faces Unprecedented Backlash Amid UEFA Boycott Threat

Date: 31.07.2026 • 15:34

Gianni Infantino, once seen as untouchable especially after the success of the 2026 World Cup, now finds himself in a precarious position due to two controversial aspects of his investor deal.

Infantino had the opportunity to solidify his power following the financially successful 2026 World Cup. He could have easily rewarded FIFA member associations, enhancing his support base and ensuring a smooth path for the establishment of a subsidiary aimed at generating even more revenue from competitions. This would have allowed him to maintain influence in global football even after his presidency.

Infantino Overreaches

However, his ambitions proved excessive. Infantino sought to bring in investors, proposing to sell up to 20% of shares in a new subsidiary. The notion of selling parts of the World Cup sparked significant outrage, which was entirely predictable.

The secretive nature of this deal has backfired, and now Infantino must defend his position within FIFA, which is looking increasingly tenuous.

Senior Advisor Resigns in Protest

The backlash has been severe, even from within his closest circle. Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino's senior advisor, resigned in protest against the investor plans. He criticized the proposal as detrimental to the FIFA member associations and the future of football itself.

Cordeiro emphasized that he had not been involved in the proposal, highlighting the surprising lack of consultation with key advisors.

Carlos Cordeiro (l.) in the Oval Office with Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump

In addition, FIFA’s operations director, Kevin Lamour, leveled serious accusations against Infantino, claiming he had betrayed the staff, who deserved better than to be ignored and intimidated. Lamour stated, "This is a one-person project," indirectly calling for consequences and asserting that the project should not proceed.

Opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC

The unprecedented boycott threat from UEFA indicated that Infantino's investor plans were likely doomed. Shortly after, CONCACAF voiced its opposition, and the AFC followed suit with a critical statement that further undermined Infantino's position.

These three continental associations collectively hold a majority vote within FIFA. While individual national federations might diverge in their voting practices, the unified front against Infantino is striking.

Boycott Could Impact Upcoming Tournaments

Should the UEFA boycott persist, several tournaments scheduled in the coming months could be affected. Notably, the upcoming U20 Women's World Cup in Poland will be held in a European country, and the absence of top European stars from major events like the Women's World Cup in 2027 would be significant.

Upcoming FIFA Competitions

2026:

• U20 Women's World Cup, September 5-27 in Poland
• U17 Women's World Cup, October 17 - November 7 in Morocco
• U17 Men's World Cup, November 19 - December 13 in Qatar

2027:

• Women's Champions Cup, January 27-31 in Miami
• Women's World Cup, June 24 - July 25 in Brazil

FIFA Blames the Media

FIFA's response on Friday morning, which came before the AFC's announcement, attempted to downplay the situation, stating that the plans were merely proposals and that discussions had been disrupted by "misleading media reports."

This referred to a report by the "Times" that revealed details of Infantino’s plans, suggesting that the circle of trusted aides was not as secure as he believed, indicating cracks in his authority.

Infantino's Version of Democracy

In light of the media coverage, FIFA disclosed some details about the controversial investor plans. They also sent letters to member associations, imposing a tight deadline of September 19 for responses.

A telling detail emerged: those who support the plans would receive a special payment of $20 million, while dissenters would receive nothing. Infantino's approach of securing approval through financial incentives, which had previously worked for him, now appears to be hitting a wall.

Sharp Criticism from Asia

Notably, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which has generally been supportive of Infantino, expressed strong criticism in a statement that aligned with UEFA. The AFC condemned the lack of proper consultation and transparency, stating, "This is not the first time that key stakeholders have been confronted with significant initiatives after the direction has already been set."

Infantino's Previous Attempts to Sell Shares

This situation echoes Infantino's earlier attempt in 2018 to sell FIFA rights to major investors, potentially from Saudi Arabia, as part of the "Project Trophy." That plan also faced significant resistance within the FIFA Council and ultimately failed.

AFC Seeks Reform

The AFC has called for the current situation to act as a catalyst for necessary institutional reforms, emphasizing that genuine democracy requires transparency and involvement throughout the decision-making process.

Lise Klaveness Gains Traction

One notable figure emerging from this crisis is Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation and a vocal critic of Infantino. Previously isolated, she now finds herself supported by a broader audience. "My clear impression is that he has lost a lot of trust," she remarked on Friday.

As Infantino prepares to seek re-election for what is expected to be his final term, the gravity of this crisis in international football is unprecedented. The likelihood of a reconciliation between UEFA and Infantino seems increasingly remote.