The power struggle surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino is creating high tension in the football world. Now, a rather explosive report has emerged. The Times claims that Infantino's opponents have united. UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC reportedly hope to work together to push for Infantino's resignation.
The three continental football federations recently publicly and unanimously opposed Infantino's plan to sell a portion of the World Cup broadcasting rights to private investors, a plan that has now failed.
Will Infantino's opponents organize their own events?
The Times ran a report titled "Infantino: Opponents plan to 'paralyze' FIFA to force his resignation." The newspaper was the first to expose Infantino's plans.
According to this new report, if Infantino refuses to compromise and seeks re-election as president next March, his opponents have prepared several plans.
The Times noted that perhaps the most disruptive idea is that Infantino's opponents are willing to host their own international events. An unnamed source said, "Everyone is adamant that he must leave, and if he doesn't, we will take all necessary measures."
Boycott of FIFA and Trump factor
The source added, "The same applies to future international competitions – would the top South American teams prefer to play against France or Spain, or against Lebanon or Djibouti? Everyone has made their decisions, and there's no turning back now."
The anti-Infantino coalition is also considering boycotting various FIFA bodies, as key decisions are made within these bodies.
In the past few days, support for Infantino has clearly wavered. Institutions including the Football Association have withdrawn their support for the controversial figure.
Equally noteworthy as the Times report was an article in the New York Post, which claimed that Infantino was "pleading" with US President Donald Trump for support.
Trump has yet to comment on the controversy surrounding FIFA officials. Before and during the World Cup, Trump and Infantino presented themselves as allies.
