European football leaders want Infantino to resign after World Cup sell-off plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has expressed regret over his controversial World Cup sell-off plan during a three-hour FIFA Council meeting in Zurich. His apology was deemed insufficient by European football leaders, including FA chair Debbie Hewitt, who continue to demand his resignation. UEFA is pushing for the release of documents related to the plan, believing the proposed 20 per cent stake in future FIFA tournaments was undervalued.

Infantino's plans to sell a stake in World Cup profits to private equity investors faced significant backlash from various football governing bodies. Following this summer's World Cup, he abandoned the initiative amidst criticism from UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation. The FIFA president had initially given associations a deadline to support the proposal, which included a financial incentive for acceptance.

The FIFA Peace Prize, awarded to US President Donald Trump by Infantino, is also under review and likely to be scrapped. Introduced in 2025, Trump remains its only recipient. FIFA's Football Social Responsibility Committee is assessing the award, with a final decision expected at the next council meeting in December 2026.

Infantino also faced scrutiny regarding the suspension of a one-match ban for USA striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. FIFA's Legal Committee will review the disciplinary procedures, with findings to be presented at the next council meeting. Meanwhile, FIFA announced plans to increase funding for member associations significantly through its Surplus Solidarity Programme.

As Infantino seeks re-election for a fourth term, UEFA is keen to nominate a challenger. Figures like Arsène Wenger and Luis Figo have been mentioned as potential candidates, although their interest remains uncertain. Infantino maintains he has enough support to secure another term despite the ongoing controversies surrounding his presidency.

via Sky Sports