The European Leagues, an association representing key soccer leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, called for significant reform in FIFA's governance on Wednesday. This announcement came amid escalating scrutiny of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, particularly following his unsuccessful proposal to sell shares in the World Cup.
While Infantino was reportedly meeting with senior staff in Rabat, Morocco, the European Leagues expressed deep concerns regarding FIFA’s operational integrity. They condemned the proposal to sell stakes in the tournament, labeling it "dangerous" and highlighting numerous issues related to FIFA's internal culture and decision-making processes.
In their statement, the European Leagues emphasized that "now more than ever, FIFA requires governance reform that ensures all relevant stakeholders have a formal role in decisions that shape the future of our game." They also criticized the potential expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams, insisting that FIFA should not make unilateral decisions that could disrupt the soccer landscape. Until governance reforms are implemented, they indicated they would reject any further expansions or new FIFA competitions.
High-profile football figures have joined the chorus calling for Infantino’s resignation. Among them is Luís Figo, a legendary player from Portugal and Real Madrid, who asserted that Infantino has "debased the office" of the FIFA presidency. This outcry reflects growing discontent with Infantino's leadership amidst a turbulent period for FIFA.
FIFA swiftly refuted a report from British media alleging that Infantino had offered Morocco the opportunity to host the final of the 2030 World Cup to garner support for his presidency. Morocco is vying to serve as one of the co-hosts of the tournament alongside Spain and Portugal. A FIFA spokesperson labeled these claims as "false and misleading," reaffirming that a decision regarding the stadium for the World Cup final will be announced in due course.
Compounding Infantino's troubles, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly declared he no longer has confidence in the FIFA president. Carney criticized Infantino for what he deemed a "fatal" governance failure due to a lack of consultation with key advisers. Carney had previously appeared alongside Infantino at events promoting the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The growing pressure on Infantino's presidency comes ahead of FIFA elections scheduled for March. UEFA, European soccer's governing body, has exerted significant pressure by threatening to boycott the World Cup unless Infantino abandons plans to sell profits from its major competitions through a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Even after Infantino's retraction of said plans, UEFA stated it lacked confidence in FIFA’s leadership, potentially setting the stage for a challenge to Infantino's presidential run.
In addition to UEFA, the governing body for North and Central American soccer, CONCACAF, criticized FIFA leadership, asserting that the organization has "stopped putting football first." This situation has revealed significant divisions within FIFA, highlighted by recent changes in leadership when Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, resigned last week following internal dissatisfaction.
Reports describe the summit in Rabat as a "crisis meeting," underscoring the urgent need for leadership answers and indicating that Infantino may face challenges for his position in the upcoming election, despite his ambitions for a fourth consecutive term.
