According to a report by the French newspaper L'Équipe, after French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo previously called Gianni Infantino's World Cup privatization plan a "worrying project," Macron encouraged Diallo to further strengthen his opposition.
The report states that Diallo received direct support from the French president to take a clearer and tougher stance on the issue. An informed source said, "The president encouraged him to be more actively involved in this struggle." Previously, it was believed that Diallo's initial statements lacked the expected strength.
This change comes amid escalating opposition to the plan within European football. Reports indicate that if FIFA proceeds with the proposal, Europe is even considering extreme measures such as boycotting the World Cup. Previously, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) held an emergency meeting specifically to discuss the potential impact of the plan.
The French Football Federation stated that Diallo played a "central role" in coordinating the positions of various European parties and communicating with the UEFA president, with the goal of preventing the plan from ultimately being implemented.
Meanwhile, discontent with Infantino within UEFA has intensified. Reports indicate that some figures in European football have even demanded that Infantino either resign voluntarily or accept a vote to remove him from office.
The report states that Macron himself has communicated with Infantino and emphasized the need to maintain the unity and stability of the world football system.
It is worth noting that Diallo's stance has undergone a significant shift. Previously, he was considered one of Infantino's potential supporters in the FIFA presidential election in March 2027, but now he has turned to calling for "profound reforms" to FIFA's internal governance system.
The French Football Federation further stated that Diallo believes FIFA must restore the highest standards of integrity and transparency, standards that "are no longer adequately met."
Currently, several national football associations and UEFA members are continuously calling for a change in FIFA's existing leadership structure. Meanwhile, after a recent setback in an investment plan, Gianni Infantino has also intensified his public outreach to garner more support and prepare for the next presidential election.
Gianni Infantino was first elected FIFA president in 2016 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2023. Under current rules, he is still eligible to run for president in 2027.
