On the Way to Ousting? The Dramatic Move Against FIFA President

Dozens of European football associations are considering withdrawing their letters of support for Gianni Infantino after the collapse of the plan to sell part of the World Cup rights to private investors. According to reports, such a move could be interpreted as a vote of no confidence in the FIFA president and increase pressure on him to end his term.

The crisis surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino is deepening: dozens of European associations are considering withdrawing their letters of support for his candidacy for another term, following the collapse of the plan to sell part of the World Cup rights to private investors. According to a report in The Guardian, such a move could be interpreted as a vote of no confidence and increase pressure on Infantino to end his term. Until recently, his re-election in March was considered almost certain, after 52 of 55 European associations sent official letters of support. But the collapse of the deal, estimated at $20 billion, changed the picture. In Europe, discussions are underway on a coordinated withdrawal of the letters, and the possibility that each association will announce separately is being considered. Meanwhile, UEFA is intensifying the fight on the legal front: according to a report in The Athletic, it sent official letters to FIFA and businessman Joshua Kushner, warning of considering legal proceedings, arbitration, and appeals to regulators. However, the path to replacing Infantino is complex: an alternative candidate would need to gather support outside Europe as well, while Infantino enjoys support in Africa, South America, and in Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Kuwait. Infantino does not intend to give up and is conducting personal talks with associations around the world.