PARIS: Gianni Infantino could survive weeks of criticism and secure re-election as FIFA president, observers have told AFP, because no heavyweight challenger has emerged to oppose him, Geo Super reports. An Infantino FIFA re-election would give the 56-year-old Swiss a fourth and final term when the vote takes place next March in Rabat.
Infantino has lost the support of many associations since he launched, then hastily shelved, his plan to allow private investment into FIFA’s commercial and World Cup rights. The FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, revealed in July, would have created a commercial subsidiary to run FIFA’s biggest events. He still retains his core backing in Africa and South America, and that base may be enough.
Two of his fiercest critics are not standing. UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin and CONCACAF head Victor Montagliani have both opted to seek re-election at their own bodies rather than challenge for the top job. Candidates must declare by November 18, and the opposition is still searching for a viable name.
Marketing strategist Terrence Burns, who worked on two successful World Cup hosting bids, said Infantino was “always in the box seat”. He added: “He holds all the cards and always has.” Former IOC marketing chief Michael Payne said “everyone is surprised” that no serious candidate has come forward. Long-time critic Lise Klaveness, head of the Norwegian Football Federation, has ruled out running.
Infantino FIFA re-election faces legal challenges
Infantino is not safe yet. UEFA has gone to US courts seeking the papers behind the FFE plan, and FIFA is strongly contesting the case. Complaints also sit with FIFA committees. Burns believes the greatest risk comes from the American legal action. He asked of the shelved plan: “If the FFE was just a case of misguided process and communications strategy, why hide its specifics?”
The Norwegian federation has flagged three issues, with a common thread running through them: Infantino’s friendship with US President Donald Trump. The venture capital firm of Josh Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared, was to be the major investor in FFE. Critics fear the complaints process could drag on and end up at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Payne warned that weak support from leading football nations such as Spain, France and England could prove damaging. Burns, however, thinks the opposition will reluctantly make peace, since there is no financial upside in removing Infantino and no evidence of criminal activity.
How the election works
Each of FIFA’s 211 member associations casts one vote at the congress in Rabat next March. A candidate needs nominations from at least five associations by the November 18 deadline. Infantino’s strength in Africa and South America gives him a structural advantage that no rival has yet been able to match.
FIFA politics has seen challengers before. Former Switzerland defender Ramon Vega has mounted a FIFA presidency challenge of his own, though his bid never gained the weight of a confederation chief. The sports desk continues to track the region’s teams, from Pakistan’s T20I series win over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi to Nizar Nayani’s lead among Pakistani runners at the Chicago Marathon. England’s cricket calendar is also in flux, with Ollie Pope withdrawing from the Afghanistan Premier League draft and Jos Buttler ruled out of the Pakistan tour after hamstring surgery.
Frequently asked questions
When is the FIFA presidential election?
The election takes place at the FIFA congress in Rabat next March. Candidates must declare and secure nominations by November 18.
Who is challenging Gianni Infantino?
No heavyweight challenger has emerged so far. Aleksander Ceferin and Victor Montagliani, two of Infantino’s fiercest critics, have chosen to seek re-election at UEFA and CONCACAF respectively instead.
What was the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan?
Revealed in July, the FFE plan would have allowed private investment into FIFA’s commercial and World Cup rights through a commercial subsidiary. Infantino shelved the plan after criticism. UEFA is now seeking its papers through US courts.
Why is Infantino criticised over transparency?
Critics ask why the details of the shelved FFE plan remain hidden. Marketing strategist Terrence Burns said the lack of transparency is “a rock in Infantino’s shoe that will not fade away”.
