The BBC has taken the whistle to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asking whether he enjoys the backing of the South American governing body, Conmebol. This inquiry comes after Infantino’s turbulent tenure, punctuated by calls for him to step down following a highly controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup. Though he scrapped the deal, the stigma remains.
Infantino was photographed in Colombia to attend the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. While there, BBC reporters pressed him on Conmebol’s line‑up of support for his leadership.
Key background: Infantino’s attempt to commercialise an ownership stake in the World Cup triggered an international backlash. Fans, politicians, and several national associations called for his resignation a year after he became FIFA’s top executive in 2016.
Conmebol, as the governing authority for football in South America, has historically been a strong ally for the world’s football hierarchy. A lack of Conmebol endorsement could implicate Infantino’s ability to steer FIFA’s political direction.
Read more: Politicians, private jets and power - the life of a FIFA president
While the BBC did not receive answers on location, global football watchers will continue to tune into Conmebol’s next round of statements to gauge the future of FIFA’s governance and Infantino’s fate.
