Gianni Infantino insists on massive support amid exit rumors
Fifa president Gianni Infantino laughs off resignation questions following the commercial rights sell-off controversy and attends the U15 World Cup in Baku.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Gianni Infantino insists he maintains the backing of the vast majority of world football.
- Uefa previously issued a two-week deadline for Fifa to release key FFE documents by November 2.
- The deadline for presidential election candidates is November 18 ahead of the vote in March.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has maintained a defiant stance during a rare interview with BBC Sport in Baku, Azerbaijan, insisting that he retains the backing of the vast majority of world football amid questions regarding whether he considered stepping down over a controversial commercial rights proposal.
The controversy stems from the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which Infantino scrapped within days of its announcement. The initiative would have sold a portion of the world governing body's commercial rights to a private investment firm, triggering intense calls for his resignation two months ago from the position he has held since 2016.
Pressure mounted last week when Uefa demanded that Fifa release all key documents relating to FFE by November 2, with Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis stating that fundamental questions remained unaddressed. Despite this, Infantino has traveled globally to Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Cape Verde, and Japan, successfully securing support that makes his fourth-term re-election next year look likely.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
During a meeting with the Fifa Council last week, Infantino apologized for the communication and consultation surrounding FFE after members told him he was unfit for office without releasing the requested documents and rationale. He has also proposed increasing worldwide football development funding by 3.4 billion dollars, equivalent to 2.6 billion pounds.
"Well you know I was elected by 211 member associations from all over the world... If we are serious about democracy, about the democratic process, about believing that everyone has the same vote and the same voice... then we need to respect as well the views of the vast, vast majority."
Gianni Infantino
When questioned by the BBC about his fitness for office and resignation thoughts, Infantino laughed before emphasizing the democratic foundations of the organization. The deadline for candidates wishing to stand against him in the March election is set for November 18, though no challengers have filed yet, leaving open the possibility that he could run unopposed.
The Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) controversy highlights the political challenges Gianni Infantino has faced in balancing commercial revenue growth with governance transparency. By attempting to partner with private investment firms, Fifa sparked friction with regional bodies like Uefa. Infantino's strategy of touring member associations and expanding development funds underscores his political maneuverings to secure his leadership continuity ahead of the next election cycle.
Infantino arrived in Baku on Friday for the Fifa Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, featuring teams from 189 member associations. Notably, Russia has sent a team to the boys-only tournament, marking the country's first appearance in a Fifa-sanctioned event since international competitions suspended Russian teams in February 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
Source: BBC Sport
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