FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under mounting pressure to step down from his role over plans to sell off its competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors21:01, 04 Aug 2026Updated 21:06, 04 Aug 2026Under-fire FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called his senior staff to a crisis meeting in a bid to cling to power. The desperate move comes after Arsene Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, broke rank and criticised Infantino's controversial plan to sell off competitions including the World Cup.‌Former Arsenal manager Wenger issued a statement on Monday saying that the withdrawal of Infantino's plan was 'absolutely necessary'. Meanwhile, Infantino's close allies are said to have been urging many of the 211 member associations to publicly back him after some withdrew their support for his re-election - while the president of one federation accused him of 'blackmail'.‌The Times report that Infantino has called staff to the Moroccan capital of Rabat for a crisis meeting. The Swiss chief is holed up in Morocco amid the swam of backlash.‌It's added that a group of senior staff within FIFA had a management meeting on Tuesday - without Infantino. All bar one reportedly opposed the plan to sell off FIFA's competitions.Wenger's comments have also piled on pressure. "The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side. I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports," the Frenchman said."The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency and integrity."‌Even Infantino's No.2, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, was revealed to have slammed the plan in a leaked email. "We have all been thrown into the middle of a turmoil, which is difficult to comprehend and accept, but, as Secretary General, I urge you to remain focused on what has always united us: serving football and serving our 211 member associations." Grafstrom wrote.Should Gianni Infantino step down? Have your say in the comments section.‌"A sad and reproachable series of events - which were thankfully concluded with the FFE project permanently abandoned - for as much as we feel dismayed by them, should not overshadow this reality."I assure you that you as members of the administration, you will be defended and safeguarded from the political context we currently experience. You do not need to worry."Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue, and that is why we should always keep our professionalism, sense of perspective and composure."Article continues belowJoin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.