Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president is facing unprecedented scrutiny, with European football officials reportedly seeking a challenger in Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi. This comes as controversy mounts over Infantino’s ambitious plan to sell stakes in FIFA’s commercial operations, a move that has drawn strong opposition from UEFA and other key stakeholders.
Infantino’s £15 billion commercial vision sparks controversy
Infantino, who has run FIFA unopposed since 2016 and hopes to remain in the role until 2031, is pushing a proposal to invite “third parties to make minority, non-controlling investments” in a new subsidiary named Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE). This entity would own and manage the commercial rights to FIFA competitions, including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing, and licensing for the World Cup, and could be worth an estimated £15 billion. The American venture capital company Thrive Eternal, co-founded by Joshua Kushner, is reportedly set to lead the private investment process.
To garner support, FIFA has offered its 211 member associations up to £30.1 million if they agree to the proposal by a September 19 deadline, a figure that would drop to £2 billion if they fail to sign up within the 53-day period.
UEFA considers boycott as Al-Khelaifi emerges
European football bodies, however, remain deeply skeptical. UEFA has voiced strong opposition to the plans and is even considering a potential boycott of the World Cup, with an emergency meeting scheduled with its 55 national federations to establish a unified position, according to Politico. Amid this discontent, European football chiefs have begun discussing Nasser al-Khelaifi as a serious contender to challenge Infantino for the FIFA presidency. Conversations about Al-Khelaifi’s suitability are understood to have taken place, with discussions intensifying during last month’s World Cup.
Read also: Arsenal ready blockbuster move for Vinicius Jr as surprise £51m backup plan emerges
Al-Khelaifi’s extensive influence across the sport, including his roles as chairman of Qatar Sports Investment and BeIN Media Group, head of the European Club Association (ECA), and positions on the UEFA Executive Committee and FIFA Council, make him a formidable figure. One European Union official remarked on the prospect of Al-Khelaifi running the world governing body, stating, “The stars have aligned.”
Al-Khelaifi’s camp denies ambition as election looms
Despite the growing calls, a representative for al-Khelaifi has downplayed any presidential ambitions. “Nasser has absolutely no ambition, no intention, no interest in the FIFA role, and he will continue to discreetly support all the institutions of world and European football,” the representative told Politico. The European Football Clubs (EFC) also issued a statement expressing “serious concern” over FIFA’s “sudden, unilateral media briefings and announcement” regarding the new corporate structure, highlighting a lack of consultation with clubs who are fundamental participants in FIFA’s competitions. The next FIFA presidential election is slated for March 2027, setting the stage for a potentially contentious battle for the leadership of global football.
Read also: Lionel Messi returns to Inter Miami training after World Cup final heartbreak
