Mail: Infantino faces a no-confidence motion from UEFA; supporters are dwindling, challengers are emerging.

According to the Daily Mail, Gianni Infantino's plan to sell the World Cup to private investors has been met with strong opposition and forced to be cancelled, leading UEFA to launch a motion of no confidence.

Two weeks ago, Gianni Infantino was in New Jersey handing the World Cup trophy to the Spanish team alongside US President Trump, wearing a dark suit and dazzling white sneakers, a triumphant smile on his face. He then declared the 48-team World Cup a huge success. However, the 56-year-old Swiss didn't stop there, quickly moving on to the next project—which suffered a crushing defeat this week, and he's even fighting for his FIFA presidency.

On Tuesday at lunchtime, British media reported that Gianni Infantino plans to establish a subsidiary called "FIFA Forward Enterprises" (FFE) to operate flagship events such as the World Cup, with the deal valued at up to £15 billion. Private investors can purchase FFE shares through a consortium led by Thrive Eternal, the US venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law. FIFA's 211 member associations will receive a £30 million share if they agree to the plan by September 19th.

UEFA was the first to speak out, joining the English Football Association and 54 other European associations in issuing a strongly worded statement criticizing Infantino for "serious lack of leadership" and "governing through intimidation," emphasizing: "None of us own the football, and FIFA has no right to sell it." UEFA subsequently threatened to boycott the World Cup if Infantino did not abandon his plans.

On Thursday and Friday, two other continental federations also voiced their opposition. CONCACAF rejected the proposal, expressing deep concern over the "lack of due process and the artificially set extremely short deadline." AFC stated, "Football should never be placed in such a situation, which exposes fundamental flaws in FIFA's consultation and decision-making processes."

Infantino needs a majority vote from 211 member countries, but 136 have already opposed him. On Friday morning, FIFA issued a statement insisting that "no one is selling footballs," but the opposition continues to grow rapidly. Newly appointed British Prime Minister Burnham questioned whether Infantino is still fit to lead FIFA: "This is an absurd proposal that shows the FIFA president is the wrong person to lead the organization."

Even more devastatingly, two of Infantino's senior aides defected within hours. U.S. Soccer Federation President Cordeiro, a former key ally of Infantino, publicly stated: "As a senior advisor to the FIFA president, a former banker, and a lifelong football fan, I cannot stand idly by while FIFA considers selling its World Cup shares. I have no connection to this proposal, and I strongly oppose it. This is a deal that is detrimental to FIFA member associations, to football, and to the long-term future of the sport."

FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamoel subsequently resigned, accusing Infantino of "deceiving" his management and calling it "a one-man project." Lamoel stated, "These lies and unilateral exercise of power are no small matter; they demonstrate a lack of trust, transparency, discernment, and good governance, as well as a severe lack of respect. Now, football's political leaders must ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions."

Early Saturday morning, under pressure, Infantino finally announced the cancellation of the proposal, stating that "the project has caused division and no longer meets the original objectives, regardless of the level of support." However, UEFA subsequently announced a vote of no confidence against Infantino on Saturday morning, criticizing him for "manipulating dirty, behind-the-scenes, and opaque deals" and promising to cooperate with other continental federations to "find those responsible and hold them accountable."

Gianni Infantino has been in power for 10 years and was originally scheduled to run unopposed for a fourth term at the FIFA Congress in Morocco next March. However, with his approval ratings rapidly declining, UEFA has launched an offensive, increasing the likelihood of a challenger. CONCACAF President Montagliani, FIFA Secretary General Granstrom, and UEFA Vice President Miodowski have all emerged as potential contenders.