FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly fighting to retain his position amidst growing backlash, but a fresh report now alleges a stunning contradiction in his past actions, claiming he secretly supported the controversial European Super League plot in 2020, despite publicly condemning it a year later.

A president under pressure

Infantino is said to be “desperately clinging to power” following a recent U-turn on proposals to sell stakes in the World Cup. The move has intensified criticism, with UEFA, spearheaded by Aleksander Ceferin, leading a campaign against the FIFA chief. Several European nations, including England and Wales, have withdrawn their written support, leaving Infantino vulnerable ahead of crucial FIFA elections in March. Hopes of an early resignation were dismissed after a World Cup crisis meeting in Morocco on Wednesday night.

The Super League plot and FIFA’s alleged role

The new allegations, detailed in a report by The Guardian, suggest Infantino was “very much part of the breakaway rebellion” that sought to reshape club football in 2021. The European Super League, which proposed a 20-team closed-shop division, famously collapsed due to widespread protests, particularly across the Premier League, after clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham had initially signed up.

According to The Guardian, a term sheet dated October 2020 outlines a deep partnership between FIFA and the proposed Super League. Key details from the document include:

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• The new league would potentially be named with FIFA’s branding.

• FIFA, referred to as ‘WO1’ in the documents, would receive a “preferred equity stake” in the Super League.

• This stake would grant FIFA significant power over format and calendar changes, the appointment of a chief executive, and the distribution of funds.

• The plan outlined a partnership of at least 12 years and a joint venture to run the Super League’s commercial operations.

• FIFA was reportedly willing to sideline its member associations and bypass federations to push plans for altering international windows and connecting an annual, straight-knockout Club World Cup directly to the new Super League.

• Infantino was reportedly among FIFA staff fully aware of the project’s progression.

These revelations stand in stark contrast to Infantino’s public stance when the Super League plot broke in April 2021. Addressing UEFA’s congress, he unequivocally stated: “At FIFA, we can only strongly disapprove of the creation of a Super League which is a closed shop, which is a breakaway from the current institutions, from the leagues, from the associations, from UEFA and from FIFA, which is outside of the system. There is no doubt whatsoever of FIFA’s disapproval for this.”

When contacted by The Sun regarding the new allegations, FIFA responded by providing links to articles posted in 2021, including Infantino’s strong condemnation at the UEFA congress and a signed statement from the FIFA boss and six continental confederation presidents refusing to recognise rival competitions. This defensive posture does little to quell the growing storm around Infantino, whose leadership is now under intense scrutiny from multiple angles.

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