FIFA boss Infantino’s position looks unacceptable: European Leagues head

What the report says

Gianni Infantino’s leadership of FIFA came under renewed pressure after his plan to sell a stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights was abandoned following strong criticism. In comments reported by Al Jazeera, Claudius Schafer, president of the European Leagues and chief executive of the Swiss Football League, said the episode made Infantino’s position look untenable. He argued that there could be only one consequence when such a major proposal is advanced without the involvement of FIFA’s key decision-making bodies.

Schafer said the backlash reflected concern that the proposal would have prioritised financial gains and could have led to more and larger competitions, adding to an already crowded international calendar. The European Leagues, which represents 53 professional men’s and women’s leagues across Europe, had opposed the idea because of the potential impact on domestic championships.

Infantino said on Friday that FIFA had dropped the plan after widespread opposition. UEFA and CONCACAF also said on Saturday that they had lost confidence in his leadership. The reporting highlights growing tension between FIFA and regional football bodies over governance, transparency and the balance between commercial interests and the sport’s wider calendar. More broadly, the dispute shows how sensitive any move to change World Cup business arrangements can be, especially when league competitions fear added fixture pressure.