Global division over Infantino's future at the helm of FIFA

The rift within global football over Gianni Infantino’s leadership of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and the possibility of his continued tenure has widened. While the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) maintains its stance refusing to participate in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, despite Infantino’s withdrawal of the controversial investment project that sparked the crisis and FIFA’s leadership apologizing for errors in its rollout, Infantino received support from several key figures in South American football on Tuesday during his visit to Cali, Colombia, on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony for the new Colombian president, Abaildo de la Espriella. The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) also unanimously reaffirmed its support for Infantino, thanking him for his “consistent support for African football over the years.”

Amid the crisis triggered by the contentious project, Infantino declined to answer a journalist’s question about whether he believed he had moved past the controversy. During his participation in a football festival dedicated to children, Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, expressed his “happiness” at attending the event.

The Confederation of South American Football (CONMEBOL), which comprises only 10 members affiliated with FIFA, including prominent associations such as Argentina and Brazil, expressed “concern over the repeated unilateral measures” taken by FIFA. However, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez clarified, in response to a question from a Colombian media outlet, that “the significant work” done by Infantino “cannot be ignored.” He added: “We must continue working for football through dialogue, and it is not necessary to always agree.”

Following the Argentine and Paraguayan football associations, Infantino received support from two other South American associations: Venezuela and Ecuador, which welcomed the withdrawal of the controversial project. Ecuadorian Football Federation president Francisco Iglesias Larreta stated in a letter addressed to the FIFA president that he trusts Infantino “and also those currently leading football to continue working for the benefit of our sport.”

However, following the failure of his project, Infantino faces strong opposition from UEFA and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). Nevertheless, Mexico, co-host of the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, adopted a position differing from CONCACAF’s, expressing support for Infantino’s “leadership.”

Angry European reactions to Infantino’s actions continued, with Norwegian Football Association president Lisa Klevnæs announcing yesterday that she would demand the FIFA president’s resignation immediately. Klevnæs told journalists: “He no longer has the institutional trust necessary to lead FIFA stably in the current climate. There is no way back for Gianni Infantino.” She added: “In the chaos we are experiencing, he is no longer the person capable of uniting everyone.”

The English Football Association also joined the opposing voices, refusing to support Infantino’s re-election bid for FIFA president next year. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Sky News reported that the English FA sent a message confirming its refusal to back Infantino.

Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, who serves as FIFA’s Director of Global Football Development, and former Portuguese star Luís Figo are among the most prominent football figures who have criticized Infantino’s plan. The Italian-Swiss lawyer (56) has been FIFA president since 2016 and remains the only declared candidate for the position. He needs to secure a majority of votes from the 211 member associations to ensure his re-election. The nomination deadline is set for November 18.