Gianni Infantino is facing a major internal rebellion as members of the FIFA council move to force an extraordinary general meeting that could escalate into a full-scale leadership challenge, according to reporting by The Guardian. The push to call the meeting began before Infantino proposed selling off stakes in the World Cup, driven by council members demanding an independent review into the unprecedented decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the tournament.
FIFA Council Rebels Push for Extraordinary General Meeting
According to The Guardian, the FIFA council operates as the world governing body’s primary decision-making forum. It comprises 28 representatives from six confederations, eight vice-presidents, and Infantino. FIFA rules state that a motion supported by 50%—or 19 of the 37 council members—can trigger an extraordinary general meeting (EGM).
Rebels had already reached double figures before news broke that Infantino secretly proposed selling 20% of a new World Cup operating company to Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of Jared Kushner. Dissatisfied council members planned to demand Infantino’s resignation if he refused to sanction an independent review of the Balogun affair. That specific controversy prompted the Norwegian FA to file an official complaint with the International Olympic Committee, alleging FIFA breached rules on political neutrality by bowing to pressure from Donald Trump, whose involvement included multiple phone calls.
FIFA has maintained that it followed due process and that the ethics committee made the decision independently. However, the organization has yet to publish a written report detailing the hearing.
World Cup Sell-Off Debacle Emboldens Opposition
Infantino’s recent U-turn regarding the World Cup sell-off has likely emboldened the opposing council members. FIFA abandoned the plan in an early-morning statement after UEFA, Concacaf (the North and Central American and Caribbean confederation), and the Asian Football Confederation strongly denounced it.
UEFA and Concacaf issued additional statements condemning Infantino on a Saturday, calling for a thorough review of FIFA governance. It remains unclear, however, whether these factions hold sufficient support from the rest of the global membership to unseat him.
Did you know?
Under FIFA rules, 19 out of the 37 council members must formally back a motion to trigger an extraordinary general meeting. Of those 37 total members, exactly 14 hail from Europe and North America, meaning support from Asian confederations is vital for the opposing faction.
Confederation Divides and Potential Leadership Contenders
Support for the FIFA president remains sharply divided across regional bodies. The Confederation of African Football and South American body Conmebol remain fully behind Infantino, alongside the Qatar Football Association, which issued a statement backing him to stay.
Because 14 of the 37 council members represent Europe and North America, securing backing from Asia is necessary to apply genuine pressure on Infantino. The FIFA council is not scheduled to meet until November, but the rebels are attempting to force an EGM quickly so Infantino can answer for the recent controversies.
Qatar’s official stance effectively rules out a presidential bid from Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Future developments will depend heavily on whether Victor Montagliani, the Canadian president of Concacaf, decides to challenge Infantino. Meanwhile, a campaign by AFC president Sheikh Salman—who narrowly lost to Infantino in the 2016 FIFA election—would prove difficult without the backing of his own confederation.
Although Infantino has secured more than 200 letters of support endorsing his re-election campaign, those letters can be withdrawn. The deadline for alternative candidates to declare an intention to stand is November 18.
An alternative route for removing the president involves an emergency FIFA congress to trigger a vote of no confidence, which can be called if national associations submit 43 endorsement letters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers an extraordinary general meeting at FIFA?
An EGM can be triggered under FIFA rules by a motion from 50% of the 37 council members, which equals 19 votes.
Why did the Norwegian FA file a complaint with the IOC?
The Norwegian FA filed a complaint alleging that FIFA breached rules on political neutrality by bowing to political pressure during the handling of Folarin Balogun’s suspension.
What happened to the proposed World Cup operating company sell-off?
FIFA abandoned the plan to sell a 20% stake to Thrive Capital following severe backlash and denouncements from UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation.
When is the next scheduled FIFA council meeting?
The FIFA council is not officially scheduled to meet until November, though rebellious members are attempting to force an earlier EGM.
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