By: Saneliso Mlambo
UEFA has publicly declared it has lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, intensifying pressure on the football chief following the collapse of his controversial World Cup investment proposal. While UEFA has not officially announced that it has ordered Infantino to resign, the governing body said trust in FIFA’s leadership has been seriously damaged and called for significant governance reforms.
The crisis erupted after FIFA abandoned plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup following widespread opposition from football stakeholders. UEFA welcomed the withdrawal of the proposal but said the episode exposed serious concerns about transparency, accountability and the way key decisions were taken within FIFA.
The proposed investment deal was heavily criticised because it was reportedly developed without proper consultation with FIFA’s governing bodies. UEFA, CONCACAF and several national football associations argued that such a major commercial decision should never have been pursued without broad approval from FIFA’s members.
The backlash has triggered wider questions about Infantino’s leadership. Reports indicate some FIFA Council members are considering an extraordinary meeting that could pave the way for a formal leadership challenge if he refuses to step aside voluntarily. However, no official vote of no confidence has yet been announced by FIFA.
Infantino still retains support from several regional confederations, including CAF, CONMEBOL and Qatar, while UEFA and other critics continue to push for governance reforms. His position remains under intense scrutiny ahead of FIFA’s next presidential election cycle, where endorsements can still change before nominations close.
The developments mark one of the most significant challenges to Infantino’s leadership since he became FIFA president in 2016. Although he remains in office, the latest revolt has exposed deep divisions within world football and raised fresh questions about the future direction of the sport’s governing body.