Gianni Infantino’s hopes of extending his Fifa presidency may rest less on winning back football’s traditional powers than on calling in favours from the many small and emerging nations that rely heavily on the world governing body’s largesse. Infantino is facing the biggest crisis of his decade-long tenure after regional confederations Uefa and Concacaf declared no confidence in his leadership following the abortive proposal to bring private equity into the World Cup.He confirmed his intention to stand for a fourth term at next year’s congress in April, but the pressure on Infantino may not wait until the election.Wales on Monday became the first football federation to formally withdraw support for Infantino, while European body Uefa confirmed it has written to the 56-year-old Swiss to inform him it is weighing legal action against him regarding the proposal.BREAKING: Gianni Infantino has scrapped World Cup investment plan admitting the project had created divisions and was no longer in the interest of its original objective. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/LYH4IVo5Nx— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 1, 2026
Opponents can mount a push to depose him with a vote at an extraordinary congress (EC) if 20% of Fifa’s membership of 211 member associations request one in writing.An EC would need to be held within three months of a request, providing time for rival candidates to emerge.Uefa, whose 55 member nations voted to boycott all Fifa tournaments if the stake sale went ahead, alone could trigger an EC with a unanimous vote.But getting a majority of Fifa’s membership to vote Infantino out at the EC may not be an easy task.Despite vast disparities in wealth, football development and influence across the footballing world, all 211 nations have an equal vote."I do not believe he is the right man to lead". 🗣️ UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has weighed in on the ongoing FIFA crisis, insisting Gianni Infantino is unfit to continue as FIFA President following the fallout over controversial World Cup investment proposals. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/mOzZzvTJ8I— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 3, 2026
