Infantino insists he still enjoys FIFA’s overwhelming support while the sell‑off saga fuels global criticism.
In a candid talk with the BBC, Gianni Infantino portrayed himself as the unshaken leader of world football. He emphasized that the vast majority of the 211 national associations continue to stand behind him, despite a wave of criticism sparked by the aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan.
The conversation unfolded against the backdrop of the Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, a tournament that showcases the sport’s youngest talent while the sport’s senior governance grapples with controversy.
FFE sell-off proposal and institutional backlash
The FFE initiative aimed to parcel out a slice of FIFA’s commercial rights to a private investment fund, promising a short-term cash infusion but raising alarms about transparency and control.
European governing body UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and North-American powerhouse CONCACAF jointly accused Infantino of “deception” and demanded the release of all key documents by 2 November. Their letter warned that the president had broken trust, a claim that intensified calls for his resignation just two months earlier.
UEFA’s general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, highlighted “a number of fundamental questions” that remained unanswered, pressing FIFA to disclose the financial rationale and legal basis for the sell-off. When Infantino was later questioned by the FIFA Council, he admitted that communication around the proposal had been inadequate, apologising for the lack of consultation. Council members warned that without the requested paperwork, he might be deemed “unfit” to continue as president. Infantino replied that a “legal process” was underway, promising answers “as far as the process allows.”
Infantino’s global outreach and growing backing
Following the diplomatic storm, Infantino embarked on an intensive international tour, visiting Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Cape Verde and Japan. During these stops he secured public endorsements that bolster his re-election prospects for a fourth term in March. The AFC’s president, Sheikh Salman, reversed his earlier stance and announced full support for Infantino, while all African confederations collectively voiced their backing.
Infantino also unveiled a new financial pledge: a $3.4 bn increase in development funding for football worldwide. The promise of additional resources is positioned as a counterbalance to the controversy, underscoring his narrative that the sport’s growth remains his top priority. With no challengers submitted before the 18 November deadline, the probability of an uncontested re-election appears high.
Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan: a symbolic platform
The FIFA Under-15 World Cup, staged in Baku, brings together teams from 189 member associations, including powerhouses such as England, Spain, France, Argentina and Brazil. Notably, Russia fielded a squad for the first time since its suspension from senior competition after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the tournament’s role as a diplomatic bridge.
Played in an 8-v-8 format on reduced-size pitches with 20-minute halves, the event showcases future stars while promoting the message that football unites diverse cultures from an early age. Infantino described the tournament as “beautiful” and suggested that today’s participants may recall this inaugural experience when they later compete in senior World Cups.
Throughout the interview Infantino reiterated that disagreement is natural in a global organisation, but stressed the need for dialogue, especially with UEFA, to repair strained relations. He concluded by reminding listeners that his mandate derives from the collective vote of all member associations, and that any future direction for FIFA will ultimately be decided by them.
