A growing coalition of national football associations is threatening to withhold cooperation with FIFA unless president Gianni Infantino steps down, according to confidential UEFA sources. The move comes amid growing criticism of Infantino’s controversial plan to allow private investors to buy minority stakes in FIFA’s flagship tournaments.
The plan, dubbed the FFE (FIFA Forward Enterprise), would create a commercial subsidiary that could be listed or have foreign investment. UEFA has warned that it will take legal, arbitration or regulatory action against Infantino if he proceeds. The organisation has also demanded that all communications and documents relating to the investment plan be preserved.
Under the proposal, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive $40 million (£30 million) if they supported the plan, with an initial $20 million (£15 million) offered before a September deadline. The investor group is expected to be led by Thrive Eternal, an American venture fund founded by Joshua Kushner.
Several confederations have already reassessed their stance on Infantino. Wales have publicly withdrawn support for his fourth term, and England’s FA is following suit. In March, Infantino needed 106 votes to secure re‑election. However, support has dwindled as Serbia, Sweden, Finland, and others have also withdrawn backing.
If Infantino remains in office, FIFA could convene an emergency council meeting, which requires 19 of the 37 council members to request the meeting within two weeks. Such a meeting would seat all 37 members, offering a potential route to force the president’s resignation.
U.S. video footage shows Infantino speaking at a recent event, surrounded by a colorful backdrop. He has been criticised for how the proposed commercialization plan was conducted. UEFA’s vice‑president Laura McAllister described the conflict as an “abysmal governance process” and urged stronger accountability chains to prevent future disputes.
The current crisis has split world football. While Infantino retains strong backing in South America and Africa, the European many‑voted withdrawals fuel a potential global boycott. The controversy raises questions about who will emerge as a unifying candidate for FIFA presidency if Infantino refuses to step down.
