Infantino secures board backing in Morocco
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, recently secured a vote of confidence from the organization’s management board during a meeting in Morocco. This development followed his decision to abandon a plan involving the sale of stakes in FIFA‘s commercial ventures. Morocco, a co-host for the 2030 men’s World Cup, has been a supportive location for Infantino, notably housing a FIFA Africa office within the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was among the first to publicly support Infantino after the controversial plan was withdrawn. Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Moroccan federation, also serves as a member of the FIFA Council.
Divisions within FIFA leadership
Despite the show of support from some board members, several key figures were absent from the meeting in Rabat. These included Arsene Wenger, chief of global football development, and Jill Ellis, chief football officer. Wenger had issued a statement earlier, emphasizing the necessity of abandoning the plan.
Remarkably, FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom, who had previously condemned the events as a “sad and reproachable series,” co-signed a letter with Infantino that was sent to all 211 FIFA member associations. It also stated that a “necessary review” would be presented at the next FIFA Council meeting.
Widespread criticism and calls for accountability
The decision to abandon the plan came after significant opposition from various football bodies. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), along with national soccer federations and senior FIFA advisers, fiercely opposed the proposal. UEFA‘s 55 member associations had agreed to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions if the plan proceeded. The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and the Asian Football Confederation also voiced their opposition.
Even after Infantino’s reversal, UEFA stated its intention to collaborate with other confederations to ensure a similar proposal “cannot occur again.” Several European nations, including England, Wales, Serbia, Greece, and Sweden, have publicly withdrawn their endorsements, though others like Switzerland have opted to engage in direct discussions with Infantino before taking further action.
The former Jordan Football Association (JFA) executive, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, accused FIFA of attempting to “blackmail” the JFA into supporting Infantino’s re-election bid. Prince Ali cited issues such as visa problems for fans during the World Cup in the U.S., tax bills from competing in the tournament, and unpaid payments from the FIFA Arab Cup in December.
Additionally, U.S. cities are reportedly seeking millions of dollars they believe are owed by the organization.
Leaked documents also suggested FIFA‘s involvement in early plans for a Super League, a proposal Infantino publicly condemned in spring 2021.
Luis Figo, a former Barcelona and Real Madrid winger and paid adviser by UEFA, criticized Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in FIFA events to private investors, calling it “the most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour I have ever witnessed.” He further stated that Infantino “has lied, deceived and tried to feather his own nest at the expense of the game he is supposed to serve.”
Political figures have also weighed in, with the Canadian prime minister stating a lack of confidence in Infantino, describing his actions as a “fatal” governance failure.
Source: nytimes.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.