In Zurich, where FIFA’s decisions usually travel outward to every corner of the game, Gianni Infantino is facing an increasingly serious challenge from within the organisation’s own council. A meeting lasting three and a half hours did little to ease concerns over financial governance, consultation and the president’s leadership, with UEFA representatives among those demanding fuller answers.
A council meeting that failed to settle the dispute
Infantino apologised for aspects of his conduct during the tense session and acknowledged that he had acted without properly consulting colleagues on some matters. Yet he did not provide the documents sought by critics on the most contentious issues, instead asking that questions be submitted in writing.
That response deepened the frustration among European football’s representatives, who believe the FIFA president must give a clearer account of decisions made during his administration.
- The FIFA Council session ran for three and a half hours.
- Infantino expressed regret over some of his actions.
- Key supporting paperwork was not presented during the meeting.
- UEFA figures remained unconvinced by the explanations offered.
The abandoned World Cup investment plan
At the centre of the row is a proposed private investment arrangement worth $4.2 billion. The plan would have commercially developed FIFA’s World Cup assets and involved selling a stake of at least 20 per cent to an investor group led by Joshua Kushner.
The project was withdrawn in July, but the collapse of the proposal has not ended the questions around it. European federations had sought the full details of the intended deal, and the absence of a detailed explanation at the council meeting has become a central point of contention.
Debbie Hewitt, FIFA vice-president and chair of the Football Association, said Infantino needed to answer the outstanding questions. “He has to respond,” she said, adding that failure to do so would mean he was not fit to lead FIFA. Hewitt nevertheless noted that the president had shown some remorse for proceeding without consulting fellow officials.
UEFA pressure ahead of the March election
UEFA is leading efforts to seek a change in FIFA’s presidency before the election scheduled for March. Bernd Neuendorf, president of the German Football Association, said the answers delivered in the meeting were inadequate and argued that FIFA must regain public confidence.
Neuendorf called for a leader of integrity who could repair the organisation’s damaged reputation.
- European officials are pressing for accountability over FIFA’s administrative and financial choices.
- Calls for a leadership change are gathering momentum ahead of March.
- Neuendorf has linked FIFA’s future credibility to the appointment of a president capable of restoring trust.
Other controversies remain in view
The dispute over the investment proposal sits alongside other episodes that have drawn scrutiny. These include Folarin Balogun’s dismissal during the World Cup and allegations that Donald Trump intervened in support of the United States national team.
FIFA has also confirmed it will reconsider whether to continue its peace prize, an award established to honour the American president in December. The review comes amid wider criticism of the relationship between Infantino and Trump, adding another unsettled issue to an already difficult period for world football’s governing body.
