FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces a potential crossroads after the public pushback against his plans and growing calls for a new leader.
Gianni Infantino has been FIFA’s president since 2016, stepping in after a corrupt scandal that left his predecessor’s legacy in shambles. In July, he alongside U.S. President Donald Trump handed the World Cup trophy to Spain, marking a historic moment for both tournament and FIFA. But the triumph was short‑lived. Less than two weeks later, infamy returned when the organization scrapped plans to sell stakes in major competitions to private investors—a fallout that drew criticism from Prime Minister Andy Burnham and fans alike. Concacaf and the AFC issued statements condemning the decision and questioning Infantino’s governance, while Carlos Cordeiro, a key adviser and former White House senior adviser, resigned behind closed doors.
James Boyce, a former FIFA vice‑president, voiced cautious optimism: "If he remains backed by enough national associations, he could stay until the next Congress. But an ongoing erosion of support could see him ousted."
So who could step in if Infantino’s tenure ends?
Victor Montagliani – Concacaf president, formerly of Canada Soccer, known for his governance reforms and hands‑on approach. He flew to 41 countries to campaign and has a foot in both the Americas and European football circles, offering a broad perspective but also a potentially polarising ties to English‑language football.
Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa – AFC president, a long‑served figure who steered the Asian confederation through considerable growth, from expanding the Champions League to launching the Women’s Champions League. He has been re‑elected multiple times without opposition and could bring stability.
Nasser Al‑Khelaifi – PSG president and chair of European Football Clubs (EFC). Although he has no expressed interest in the FIFA presidency, his reach across 800 clubs provides a powerful network. His own pessimistic view of the Super League’s collapse shows he may resist taking on a global role.
Mattias Grafström – Fifa secretary‑general, a rising face inside the organization and a close aide to Infantino since 2016. With a reputation for being closely tied to Infantino, his candidacy could be seen as an extension of the current leadership rather than a fresh start.
FIFA’s 77th Congress will decide the future in Morocco on March 4. Candidates have until 18 Nov to submit their nominations. Whether Infantino will stay, resign, or be replaced by one of these figures remains to be seen, but the current climate suggests a pivotal election is imminent.
