Gianni Infantino under fire as national associations bar collaboration

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:33:30 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Football bodies threaten to halt cooperation until Infantino resigns over controversial investment plans.

Infantino’s push to outsource FIFA’s flagship events has sparked a backlash from national federations and UEFA. A number of associations have withdrawn their letters of support, urging him to step down, while UEFA has opened legal and arbitration pathways. The dispute risks a split in global football, with a potential emergency council meeting looming and calls for new leadership growing louder.

Gianni Infantino under fire as national associations bar collaboration

Football’s top bureaucrat is on a knife‑edge after a wave of national football associations announced they would no longer collaborate with FIFA unless the president, Gianni Infantino, resigns. The threat comes amid a long‑running dispute over a new commercial subsidiary – the FIFA Forward Enterprise – and its plan to invite private investors into the World Cup’s revenues.

Infantino’s controversial proposal

The move, named FFE, was presented as a way to bring third‑party investment into FIFA events, promising a $40m distribution to all 211 member associations with a $20m clause by 19 September. The proposal would have been led by the U.S. venture firm Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, who is linked to the President of the United States.

UEFA threatens legal action

UEFA has warned it could pursue “legal action, arbitration, and regulatory complaints” over the FFE plan. The body demanded FIFA preserve all emails, instant messages, and documents related to the investment within two weeks of receiving a request, arguing that earlier destruction could imperil evidence.

National associations withdraw support

Wales has publicly pulled its backing, with England’s FA expected to follow. Other members that have dropped support include Serbia, Sweden, and Finland. Nations across Africa and South America still back Infantino, but the growing pressure threatens a split in the governing body.

Possible emergency council meeting

If 19 of FIFA’s 37 council members push for an emergency session, the meeting must occur within two weeks. The council is composed of representatives from UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF, CAF, CONMEBOL and OFC, in addition to Infantino and Secretary‑General Mattias Grafström.

What this means for world football

The saga marks the most divisive moment in football governance in recent memory. If Infantino refuses to step down before the elections, the rebel factions may pivot to Madrid‑based or New York‑based candidates to challenge him. The outcome will shape the direction of the World Cup and global football for the next six years.