Gianni Infantino chairs FIFA Council meeting as critics push to oust him
FIFA President Gianni Infantino chaired a council meeting amid growing internal pressure and calls for his removal following a failed World Cup sell-off plan. Critics are seeking a new candidate for the 2027 election as concerns over his leadership style and political associations mount.
Why it matters
The potential ousting of the FIFA president could lead to a major shift in the governance and political direction of global football.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino chaired the world football body’s annual council meeting at its headquarters in Switzerland on Thursday amid a push to oust him.
It was the first time he faced the 37-members since he was forced to drop his secretive and divisive World Cup sell-off plan.
''It's an attempt to protect his presidency, that's now in its biggest crisis with 11 years, so far. Infantino wants four more years to run FIFA through 2031,” said Associated Press’ Graham Dunbar**.**
The confrontation with Infantino’s most determined opponents from Europe and North America comes ahead of a 18 November deadline for candidates to enter the president race.
When the World Cup final was played near New York on 19 July, he was cruising toward a fourth and final term through to 2031.
The private investor plan was revealed nine days later.
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