Intro: FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced mounting opposition as European football bodies questioned his leadership and demanded governance reforms.
Brussels
Football faced the prospect of a governance standoff as FIFA President Gianni Infantino came under pressure from European bodies, while allies rallied behind his leadership.
Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness called for Infantino’s resignation, arguing that he no longer enjoyed the institutional confidence needed to govern world football. Her demand came after several European associations withdrew support for the FIFA chief.
Klaveness said football needed to move beyond power struggles and focus on governance reform. She warned that international football cooperation was in serious trouble and called for a direction under new leadership.
The dispute follows Infantino’s decision last week to abandon a proposal to raise around $4.2 billion through the sale of a stake in commercial rights linked to the World Cup and other tournaments. The move triggered concerns among football bodies over transparency and governance.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, maintained its threat to boycott FIFA-organised events, saying conditions for restoring cooperation had not been met. It has demanded assurances that similar attempts to reshape football’s commercial structure will not be repeated.
At the same time, Infantino received backing from Mexico and Argentina, after the Confederation of African Football unanimously supported his leadership. Mexico’s federation broke ranks with CONCACAF, which has joined UEFA in calling for greater accountability.
South American confederation CONMEBOL voiced concern over repeated unilateral actions without adequate dialogue, highlighting divisions within global football.
The dispute now leaves FIFA facing competing demands for reform, transparency and stronger consultation with national and regional associations.
Quotes
There is no going back for Gianni Infantino, Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness said, calling for his resignation.
BOX
FIFA STANDOFF
- UEFA maintains boycott threat
- Norway demands Infantino’s resignation
- CAF backs Infantino unanimously
- Mexico and Argentina support FIFA chief
- CONMEBOL raises concerns over unilateral actions
