UEFA is preparing to launch a no-confidence motion against FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell stakes in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments to private investors.
According to The Telegraph, UEFA will move forward with the proposal unless Infantino steps down voluntarily. The report said all 55 UEFA member associations are prepared to support the initiative. Under FIFA statutes, backing from at least 43 member associations is required to formally submit a no-confidence motion.
The development follows FIFA’s decision on Saturday to abandon its proposed “FIFA Forward Enterprise” project, which would have transferred parts of the commercial rights for major competitions to a new entity open to outside investment.
Despite the project’s cancellation, UEFA has continued to criticise FIFA’s leadership, arguing that the proposal damaged confidence in the organisation by attempting to commercialise some of football’s most valuable assets. The European governing body also claimed support from CONCACAF in its effort to challenge Infantino’s leadership.
UEFA described the withdrawal of the proposal as a victory for world football, insisting that the sport’s core competitions should not be opened to private ownership. It also accused Infantino of failing to deliver on commitments made when he was first elected FIFA president in 2016.
FIFA had argued that the proposed investment model would generate additional revenue for member associations and strengthen football development worldwide. However, opposition from numerous national federations ultimately forced the governing body to abandon the plan.
Reports also suggest that a group within FIFA’s 37-member Council is considering action against Infantino. If at least 19 council members support the move, an emergency meeting could be called within two weeks to urge the FIFA president to resign. Should that effort fail, UEFA is expected to seek formal backing from at least 43 member associations to table a written motion of no confidence, which would require support from 106 member nations to pass.
Although reports indicate that 143 FIFA member associations opposed the commercial rights proposal, it remains uncertain whether all of those countries would support a leadership challenge against Infantino. Support from several African, South American and Asian football associations could prove decisive if the matter reaches a vote.
Even if Infantino survives a no-confidence motion, the controversy could weaken his prospects of securing another term when FIFA holds its next presidential election in March 2027.
Among the names being mentioned as potential successors is CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, while European Leagues President Claudius Schäfer has argued that the failed commercial rights proposal has raised serious questions about FIFA’s leadership and accountability.
