Gianni Infantino ‘has lost Uefa’s confidence’ after Fifa chief scraps World Cup sell-off plan

Uefa has demanded a comprehensive governance overhaul at Fifa, expressing serious concerns about Gianni Infantino's leadership approach following his abrupt abandonment of a controversial World Cup privatization scheme. The European confederation issued a strongly-worded statement criticizing what it termed "secret schemes" and "shabby backroom deals," signaling that Infantino has forfeited the confidence of European football's governing body. Despite the Fifa chief's overnight reversal on plans to sell equity stakes in the World Cup and other flagship competitions, Uefa made clear that cosmetic changes alone would not suffice. The organization emphasized that fundamental restructuring of Fifa's decision-making processes must occur to restore transparency and accountability to international football's highest institution.

Infantino's proposed privatization plan targeted significant financial stakes in major tournaments including the FIFA World Cup, which has generated over $15 billion in revenue across recent editions. Uefa's criticism centered on the secretive manner in which such transformative proposals were developed, highlighting that major decisions affecting global football were being made without proper consultation or transparency with continental confederations. The European body's statement referenced "faceless individuals" involved in back-channel negotiations, suggesting that decision-making authority had become dangerously concentrated. This represents a critical moment for Fifa, which has faced repeated governance crises since the 2015 corruption scandal that resulted in multiple executive arrests and investigations across dozens of countries.

The standoff threatens to deepen divisions between Fifa's leadership and its constituent members at a time when football governance requires unified direction. Uefa's call for fundamental review suggests potential challenges ahead for Infantino's continued tenure, with European nations wielding considerable influence over Fifa's future direction given their substantial representation among the organization's 211 member associations. The World Cup, having expanded to 48 teams beginning with the 2026 tournament in North America, faces critical administrative decisions requiring trust and consensus. Without meaningful reforms addressing transparency and proper governance procedures, Infantino's ability to implement his vision for international football could face significant institutional resistance from Uefa and other regional confederations.