Infantino Under Pressure As FIFA Vote Nears, Europe Turns Against World Cup Chief

Gianni Infantino has begun campaigning for a third term as FIFA president more than five months before the March election, but the fallout from a controversial investment plan has transformed what once looked like an easy re-election into a more uncertain contest.

An Associated Press tally shows 87 of FIFA’s 211 member federations have indicated support for Infantino, while 49, mostly from Europe, have opposed him. More than one-third have yet to reveal their position. The election is scheduled for March 18 in Morocco, with potential challengers required to enter the race by November 18.

Europe has emerged as the centre of opposition. UEFA has called for Infantino to step down and, along with CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, has promised to field at least one challenger. No rival has yet formally entered the race.

The crisis intensified after reports in late July revealed Infantino had discussed a proposal with New York investor Josh Kushner to create a FIFA subsidiary overseeing competitions including the World Cup. The plan involved private investment in FIFA’s commercial rights and was withdrawn within days following strong opposition from European football and senior FIFA officials.

UEFA has since indicated it is preparing a criminal complaint over the investment plan, while FIFA has dismissed the move as a “smear campaign”.

Infantino retains strong backing elsewhere. CAF unanimously endorsed him in August, while all 10 CONMEBOL members support his candidacy. South America also favours his proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, opposed by UEFA.

Asia and CONCACAF remain divided, with Qatar and Mexico backing Infantino while Jordan, the US and Canada oppose him. New Zealand has also withdrawn its support.

No sitting FIFA president has lost an election in 50 years. Infantino’s control over billions in World Cup revenues remains a major advantage, but the investment controversy has ensured that his third-term campaign is no longer a straightforward victory march.