Gianni Infantino’s opponents prepared to launch rival competition to force out FIFA boss

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is holding on by his finger nails, but his opponents are trying to get rid of him and are ready to take extreme steps to ensure that he is ousted

The leaders of UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC are ready to take extreme measures to oust FIFA boss Gianni Infantino – which includes setting up their own rival competition.

The days of the FIFA president appear numbered in the wake of his failed plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup, but Infantino is determined to fight on. He’s tried to lean on old acquaintances, but he’s lost the faith of several of the world’s major organisations.

UEFA have been the most outspoken federation and have backing from other continental organisations. The Times reports that they’re prepared to create their own tournament and UEFA have a blueprint for a global league having commissioned one in 2017, without using it.

One source told the newspaper: “Everyone is very determined he needs to go, and if not we will take all the necessary steps [to remove him from power]. That includes future international competitions — would the big South American countries prefer to play France or Spain, or Lebanon or Djibouti? Everyone is very determined, there are no backward steps now.”

It remains feasible that Infantino will ignore the noise and try for re-election in March as he eyes a fourth term. Infantino’s opponents would therefore be prepared to impose a “governance boycott” which would see them refuse to take part in FIFA council or committee meetings.

A number of European associations, including England and Wales, have withdrawn letters of support for Infantino’s re-election after his World Cup sale plans fell flat. It comes after the FA had supported Infantino via a letter as recently as June.

UEFA were outspoken against the FIFA president during the World Cup, heavily criticising his decision to suspended the red card handed to Folarin Balogun whilst their president Aleksander Ceferin refused to attend the final last month in New York.

Europe’s governing body has signalled its intent to take legal action after FIFA and said in a letter: “UEFA hereby gives formal notice that it is actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints arising out of and in connection with the FFE plan proposed by Fifa and all related matters.

“You and Fifa are required to take immediate steps to identify, locate, and preserve all documents and electronically stored information described in this notice that are in your or Fifa’s possession, custody, or control.

“These obligations arise independently of any internal retention policy you or your organisation maintain and supersede any routine document destruction or deletion policies that would otherwise apply.”

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