Gianni Infantino is facing a rebellion from members of the FIFA Council who are attempting to force an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). This move could develop into a full leadership challenge for the FIFA president.
Council members are demanding an independent review into the decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the World Cup. This decision reportedly involved multiple phone calls from Donald Trump. Moves to call an EGM were already underway before the emergence of Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.
Under FIFA rules, a motion from 19 of the 37 council members can trigger an EGM. The rebels had already reached double figures in support before it emerged that Infantino had secretly proposed to sell 20% of a new World Cup operating company to Thrive Capital. This plan was later abandoned after Uefa, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation denounced it.
Uefa and Concacaf have issued statements condemning Infantino and calling for a thorough review of FIFA’s governance. However, the Confederation of African Football, South American Conmebol, and the Qatar Football Association remain supportive of Infantino.