Infantino calls emergency FIFA meeting amid growing resignation calls

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called an emergency meeting with the world football governing body’s top leadership amid mounting pressure over his position.

The meeting is scheduled to hold on Wednesday in Sale, near Rabat, Morocco, following the collapse of Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial rights to private investors.

Infantino had proposed selling 20 per cent of a new commercial entity overseeing competitions, including the World Cup, in a deal expected to raise up to $4.2 billion.

The proposal also attracted controversy over the involvement of a company with links to the family of United States President Donald Trump.

Infantino was forced to abandon the plan on Friday following fierce opposition from football stakeholders, but the decision has failed to end the crisis surrounding his leadership.

UEFA has openly declared that it no longer has confidence in the FIFA President, while several European football associations have withdrawn their support for him.

The controversy has also spread within FIFA.

Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom described the developments surrounding the proposal as a “sad and reproachable series of events” in an internal message.

FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour had earlier said staff were “deceived” about the proposal, describing it as “the project of one person”.

Infantino also suffered another setback when his close adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned over the plan.

FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development and former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, also distanced himself from the proposal, saying its withdrawal was “absolutely necessary”.

Wednesday’s emergency meeting is consequently expected to be crucial for Infantino as pressure mounts ahead of the FIFA Congress scheduled for March in Morocco.

Under FIFA procedures, an Extraordinary Congress could be called if 43 or more member associations submit a formal written request, potentially opening the way for a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have taken positions against Infantino’s leadership.

A report by The Times also claimed the confederations could consider paralysing FIFA and organising their own competitions should Infantino refuse to resign.

Despite the growing opposition, Infantino continues to retain support from some FIFA members.

Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Indonesia have already declared their support for the FIFA President.

Wednesday’s emergency meeting will now put Infantino face-to-face with FIFA’s top leadership as pressure continues to grow over his position at the helm of world football.