Gianni Infantino is facing a growing internal rebellion as members of the Fifa Council work to trigger an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). This push for an EGM could escalate into a full-scale leadership challenge against the Fifa president. Under existing regulations, an EGM can be initiated if a motion is supported by 50% of the 37-member council, which equates to 19 representatives.
The move to call an EGM was reportedly in motion even before recent controversies emerged regarding Infantino’s abortive plan to sell a 20% stake in a new World Cup operating company to Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner. Council members have been increasingly vocal in their demands for an independent review into the handling of Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the World Cup. That decision, which involved multiple phone calls from Donald Trump, has drawn significant criticism. The Norwegian FA has already filed an official complaint with the International Olympic Committee, alleging that Fifa breached rules regarding political neutrality by yielding to pressure from the former US president.
While Fifa has maintained that it followed due process through its ethics committee, it has yet to release a written report on the hearing. The rebels had reportedly reached double-digit support before the World Cup sell-off proposal became public. That specific plan was abandoned early Saturday morning following strong denunciations from Uefa, the Asian Football Confederation, and the North American confederation, Concacaf. Both Uefa and Concacaf have since issued statements calling for a thorough review of Fifa’s governance.
The political landscape within the council remains divided. While 14 of the 37 council members represent Europe and North America, Infantino retains the support of the Confederation of African Football, South American governing body Conmebol, and the Qatar Football Association. Because of this split, the rebels will need significant support from Asian confederation members to exert meaningful pressure. The Fifa Council is not scheduled to meet until November, but those seeking a change are attempting to accelerate the process to have Infantino explain his actions. Should he refuse to commission an external review of the Balogun affair, these members are prepared to pursue more aggressive efforts to oust him, including sounding out alternative presidential candidates.
Potential avenues for removal include calling an emergency Fifa Congress to hold a vote of no confidence, which requires letters from 43 associations. Although Infantino has secured over 200 letters endorsing his re-election campaign, these endorsements can be withdrawn. The deadline for candidates to declare an intent to stand for election is November 18.
