All articles tagged with #infantino
UEFA has asked a Florida court to obtain evidence for potential criminal charges in Switzerland against FIFA president Gianni Infantino and FIFA, alleging he orchestrated a covert plan to privatize World Cup rights through a subsidiary, enriching a small circle with a $4.2 billion deal that allegedly lacked independent valuation and proper consultation with FIFA’s member associations.
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani urged FIFA chief Gianni Infantino not to attend the CFU Under-14 Series in the Dominican Republic, saying his presence would distract from the event’s technical focus amid FIFA governance turmoil; Infantino, criticized over his Fifa Forward Enterprise plan, remains a controversial figure with mixed support from football bodies.
Soccer fans worldwide have started a global online petition urging FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, calling his World Cup decisions a betrayal; the campaign reflects broad discontent with FIFA leadership, as Infantino has appeared at events such as a Women’s AFCON 2026 match in Rabat and a Colombian inauguration.
FIFA dismissed chief operating officer Kevin Lamour after he criticized Gianni Infantino over a plan to sell stakes in competitions to private investors, a move UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister called a deeply troubling signal for governance. Lamour’s departure followed his accusation that the administration had been deceived, and FIFA subsequently scrapped the FFE deal, while several national associations withdrew support for Infantino ahead of his 2027 re‑election.
In an AP interview, Lise Klaveness, president of Norway’s football association, criticizes FIFA leader Gianni Infantino and his administration for firing a top executive, calling it “management by fear” and urging reforms and greater accountability in world soccer.
Former President Donald Trump warned FIFA not to replace Gianni Infantino, praising his leadership amid fallout from the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise. UEFA, AFC and Concacaf criticized Infantino and signaled a possible no‑confidence vote, though he retains support from some federations. In the U.S., U.S. Soccer aligns with reform advocates within CONCACAF, while a White House official voiced support for Infantino, illustrating a domestic split on FIFA’s leadership.
President Donald Trump publicly backs FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, warning that removing him could bring a heavy price as European and global soccer leaders revolt after Infantino scrapped a $4.2 billion plan to privatize World Cup rights, with talk of boycotts and rival tournaments ahead of the next election.
UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC accuse FIFA and Gianni Infantino of breaking trust through deception over the Fifa Forward Enterprise plan to privatize commercial rights to World Cups, call for an independent governance review, warn of potential breakaway competitions or a boycott, and urge Infantino to resign while FIFA defends its actions.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino denied allegations of an extramarital relationship with a UEFA employee after The Telegraph reported UEFA paid her six-figure severance and MBA fees during his time as UEFA general secretary (2009–2016); UEFA says the payments were in line with the regulations then in force, which have since been tightened, while Infantino calls the allegations defamatory amid ongoing friction between FIFA and UEFA over governance and plans for private investment in football.
UEFA confirmed a six-figure departure payment to a former employee during Gianni Infantino’s UEFA tenure, amid The Telegraph’s allegations of an affair. Infantino denies any misconduct, while UEFA says the payout complied with regulations in place at the time (which have since been tightened). The row underscores ongoing tensions between UEFA and FIFA’s leadership and adds to soccer governance scrutiny.
Argentina and Mexico publicly back FIFA president Gianni Infantino after Africa’s CAF unanimously endorses him, signaling a widening split in global football governance over his controversial plan to privatize World Cup rights. FIFA apologized for missteps around the proposal and pledged to review the process, while Infantino faces continued opposition from UEFA and others; Norway’s federation has called for his resignation, and Croatia has withdrawn support. AFC members largely backed UEFA/CONCACAF, with some Asian nations supporting Infantino. The saga intensifies ahead of the March FIFA Congress in Morocco as the sport’s leadership battle grows more pronounced.
CAF’s Executive Committee unanimously backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with Patrice Motsepe urging governance, transparency, and due process as Infantino defends controversial World Cup revenue plans and pursues re-election amid UEFA boycott threats.
Argentina’s football association publicly supports FIFA president Gianni Infantino and praises his leadership and reforms, even as CONMEBOL warned about unilateral moves; the stance comes as FIFA scrapped a controversial private investment plan and faces scrutiny ahead of the March 2027 FIFA congress, with Europe opposing him while CAF backs him and confederations remain divided.
Gianni Infantino defied resignation calls as FIFA’s leadership board gathered in Rabat to back him after revelations about selling stakes in FIFA’s business. While Grafström issued a contrite letter of support, tensions linger with UEFA and Concacaf demanding accountability and a broader reckoning. The affair has exposed deep divisions within FIFA’s ranks, with ongoing scrutiny over tournament finances and past ideas like a Super League, leaving Infantino’s presidency technically intact but politically embattled.
Luis Figo urged Gianni Infantino to resign, claiming Infantino has debased the FIFA presidency and lied, as backlash over FIFA’s shelved plan to allow private investors grows and several national federations withdraw support, sparking a leadership crisis.