FIFA decries ‘concerted’ effort to undermine Infantino as crisis deepens

What the report says

FIFA has accused unnamed figures of mounting a “concerted and ongoing effort” to weaken president Gianni Infantino, as a dispute over his leadership intensifies, according to Al Jazeera’s report from 9 August 2026. The governing body said any challenge to Infantino must be carried out through its statutes and democratic procedures, and it rejected claims it described as inaccurate or misleading. Infantino was elected by FIFA’s member associations and, the organization said, continues to hold that mandate.

The statement follows the collapse of Infantino’s proposal to raise about $4.2bn by selling commercial rights linked to the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors. That plan drew criticism from UEFA, national associations and senior FIFA officials, and it helped trigger a crisis meeting in Morocco this week, where FIFA leadership reiterated support for him. The fallout has also affected his prospects for a fourth term, with the next FIFA Congress due in Morocco in March.

Al Jazeera said the latest backlash was sharpened by reporting about payments UEFA made to a former employee. The Daily Telegraph reported that the payments were connected to allegations involving Infantino during his time as UEFA’s general secretary. Infantino has denied the allegations, and FIFA has said they are unfounded.

Support for and against Infantino remains split across football bodies. UEFA says it no longer trusts him, while CAF and CONMEBOL have backed adherence to FIFA’s formal election process. The situation matters because it raises questions about governance, transparency and the balance of power inside global football.