FIFA: Weakened by internal crisis, Gianni Infantino clings to his role as president

Gianni Infantino has declared his intention to continue leading FIFA after abandoning his controversial plan to open up the capital of a new World Cup-related entity. Yet the president of world football’s governing body now faces growing dissent, including from within his own inner circle.

Gianni Infantino is not backing down. Shaken by a series of internal upheavals, the FIFA president has reaffirmed his desire to stay at the helm following emergency talks with several top executives. According to journalist Rob Harris, the Italian-Swiss leader believes he remains accountable to FIFA’s 211 member associations and intends to pursue his mandate.

This stance comes after the forced abandonment of a project that had raised many questions: the sale of shares in a new company linked to World Cup activities to private investors. Facing criticism and resistance, FIFA was ultimately compelled to rethink its plans, triggering a major governance crisis within the organization.

A challenge that goes beyond usual opposition

While Gianni Infantino still officially enjoys support from some member federations, the current situation reveals an unusual level of mistrust surrounding his presidency. The unrest isn’t just coming from outside: some of his close associates and key figures in his entourage have also reportedly voiced concerns about how certain strategic matters are being handled.

This internal rift marks a new challenge for the FIFA boss, who until now had managed to maintain a solid grip on power since taking office in 2016. Re-elected in 2019 and again in 2023, Infantino has positioned himself as a reformist president for some, but is regularly criticized by opponents for a style of governance seen as overly centralized.

A president still active despite the turmoil

Despite this delicate period, Gianni Infantino continues to project the image of a fully committed leader. He was recently seen alongside FIFA’s Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations—a clear sign that he remains active in institutional affairs.

The FIFA president will now need to win over more than just national federations and restore confidence within his own organization. Because beyond the abandoned World Cup project, questions are now being raised about his leadership and his ability to unite people around his decisions.

With major events looming on the international calendar, including the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Infantino is playing for high political stakes at the top of world football.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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