Politics · India Bureau
UEFA Escalates Pressure on FIFA President Infantino with Legal Threats
European soccer leaders have intensified their campaign against FIFA President Gianni Infantino following his failed World Cup expansion proposal. UEFA is now preparing potential criminal complaints against the FIFA chief, while multiple member federations have withdrawn support ahead of his 2027 re-election bid.
LSN India ·
The backlash against FIFA President Gianni Infantino reached a new intensity this week as European soccer confederation UEFA signaled plans to pursue legal action against the embattled leader. On Thursday, UEFA revealed it is preparing a possible criminal complaint against Infantino in Switzerland, where FIFA is headquartered, citing alleged mismanagement related to his controversial World Cup commercialization plan.
The mounting pressure stems from Infantino's failed attempt to overhaul World Cup revenue-sharing arrangements roughly a month ago, a proposal that fractured international soccer's governing body. The plan generated significant opposition within the sport's leadership structure, prompting multiple European federations to formally withdraw their backing for the FIFA president.
Several member associations have gone further, publicly calling for Infantino's resignation. The FIFA leader, who faces re-election in March 2027, has shown no indication of stepping down from his position despite the widening rift within the organization. UEFA's decision to explore criminal proceedings represents the most aggressive formal challenge to his leadership to date and signals the depth of European soccer's dissatisfaction with his stewardship.