FIFA: Gianni Infantino calls a crisis meeting in Morocco

Weakened by the failure of the FFE project, the president tries to shore up his backing ahead of the 2027 election

World Today at 09:30

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FIFA: Gianni Infantino calls a crisis meeting in Morocco

Under pressure after the collapse of FIFA Forward Enterprise, Gianni Infantino is gathering his key associates in Morocco in a bid to regain control.

Gianni Infantino is facing the most serious crisis of his presidency. On Wednesday morning, the FIFA boss is set to meet with top officials of the organization at the Mohammed VI complex in Salé, near Rabat. The exact reasons for this meeting have not been officially disclosed, but the gathering comes amid mounting criticism of his leadership.

Also read : FIFA: Gianni Infantino breathes a huge sigh of relief

The FFE project creates a rift

The crisis has its roots in the FIFA Forward Enterprise project. Infantino aimed to launch a commercial company partially open to private investors, hoping to raise up to $4.2 billion. The new entity would have been valued at around $20 billion.

Critics say the initiative was launched without adequate consultation, sparking opposition from UEFA, Concacaf, and several national associations. Facing a rebellion, Infantino ultimately scrapped the project. However, this retreat has not been enough to quell the crisis.

His inner circle is shrinking

Carlos Cordeiro, the president’s influential adviser, resigned in protest over the reforms. CEO Kevin Lamour, Secretary General Mattias Grafström, and Arsène Wenger have also voiced their reservations.

The criticism is now targeting Infantino’s governance directly. Prince Ali Al Hussein has even accused the president’s entourage of putting pressure on certain associations: “The situation amounts to blackmail, and we refuse to give in.”

The 2027 election in sight

No formal procedure to remove Infantino is currently underway. The real battle, therefore, is expected to take place at the elective congress scheduled in Rabat in March 2027.

Infantino, the only declared candidate so far, is aiming to retain at least 106 supporters among the 211 member associations. He still enjoys strong backing in Africa, but several European, Asian, and North American associations have distanced themselves. The meeting in Morocco thus stands as a crucial moment in his bid to save his presidency.