Gianni Infantino loses UEFA confidence after FIFA scraps World Cup plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure after European football’s governing body, UEFA, declared a loss of confidence in his leadership following the abrupt cancellation of a controversial World Cup investment plan. The decision to scrap the proposal, which aimed to sell minority stakes in the global tournament to private investors, has triggered a wave of criticism from club officials, national associations, and political figures, with calls for structural reforms and accountability.

UEFA’s response was described as unprecedented, with the body condemning the plan as a “shabby, back-room deal” and demanding a “thorough and fundamental” review of FIFA’s governance. In a statement, UEFA criticized Infantino for failing to uphold transparency and accountability, citing his failure to deliver on pledges made during his 2016 election campaign. The organization also called for those responsible for the scheme to be held to account, emphasizing that the current leadership had “lost the confidence of many members of the football family.”

The proposed plan, which would have established a subsidiary company, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to oversee commercial rights for future tournaments, faced immediate backlash. UEFA’s 55 member associations unanimously voted to boycott all FIFA competitions if the initiative proceeded, a move that forced Infantino to backtrack. The scheme, valued at £15 billion, was intended to raise £3.1 billion through minority, non-controlling investments, with Infantino offering incentives to secure support. However, the lack of consultation and perceived secrecy fueled accusations of prioritizing financial gain over the sport’s integrity.

Club representatives joined the criticism, with FC Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer labeling the proposal a “farce” and warning of long-term risks to football’s traditions. “Football must remain football,” Hainer said, expressing concern that private investors could influence rules such as match schedules and player welfare. He praised UEFA’s decisive stance, urging that the idea “never come back to the table.”

Political figures also weighed in, with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham calling the plan a “right decision” to scrap the proposal. Burnham had previously condemned the initiative as “outrageous,” stating that Infantino’s actions demonstrated he was “the wrong man to lead the organization.” Meanwhile, England legend Peter Reid demanded Infantino’s resignation, stating, “I cannot believe you are asking that question— it is like asking if the sky is blue when the sun is out.”

The fallout extended to FIFA itself, with senior officials resigning in protest. Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s senior adviser, and chief operating officer Kevin Lamour both stepped down, with Cordeiro describing the project as “a scheme of one person.” UEFA’s statement highlighted the lack of transparency, accusing FIFA of “secret schemes on fast-track timescales, cooked up by faceless individuals.”

Despite the cancellation, the crisis has intensified calls for systemic change. UEFA’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, has signaled a determination to push for reforms, with reports suggesting leaders are already exploring candidates to challenge Infantino in next year’s FIFA presidential election. While Infantino remains committed to his role, the support of over 200 member associations for his re-election campaign could be tested as the fallout continues.

The incident has exposed deep fractures within global football governance, with stakeholders demanding greater accountability. As UEFA and other bodies prepare to review the events, the question remains whether Infantino can restore trust or if the scandal will mark the beginning of his decline. For now, the message from across the football world is clear: the sport’s future cannot be dictated by opaque deals or short-term financial interests.