FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing increasing pressure after the governing body abandoned its controversial plan to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments to private investors. The proposal sparked strong opposition from football organizations worldwide, raising fresh questions about Infantino’s future ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March 2027.
The backlash intensified after senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned and FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour reportedly accused Infantino of misleading staff over the investment plan. UEFA has also publicly stated that it has lost confidence in the FIFA president.
Several high-profile football leaders are now being mentioned as possible successors. Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, and CAF president Patrice Motsepe are all viewed as potential contenders if Infantino faces a serious election challenge.
Although Infantino has not announced any plans to step down, the failed investment proposal has triggered one of the biggest leadership crises during his decade in charge of FIFA. With candidate nominations closing in November, attention is now shifting to who could lead world football in the coming years.
