FIFA President Gianni Infantino Leadership Controversy

17 UPDATES · 60 DAYS · 1 AUG 2026 — 29 SEPT 2026

Congress

Latest · 23 Sept 2026

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stated that trust in football remains broken following FIFA's abandoned private investment plan during a video address at the Portugal Football Summit.

What this timeline covers

This event covers Gianni Infantino's controversial attempt to sell stakes in FIFA competitions and the subsequent reactions, analyses, and follow-up developments regarding his leadership and potential removal. It excludes other actions by FIFA, UEFA, or the Football Association of Wales that are not directly related to this specific commercial rights plan and the resulting political fallout.

The full story, from the beginning

1Aug

STORY BEGINS — BBC

Uefa Scolds Infantino: Criticizes Opaque Deals, Failed Transparency

2Aug

BBC

Gianni Infantino's attempt to sell stakes in Fifa competitions led to a loss of confidence from key allies and sparked discussions about his potential removal.

3Aug

Al Jazeera

The Football Association of Wales became the first federation to withdraw support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA President after his plan to sell World Cup commercial rights failed.

5Aug

BBC

Despite criticism of his proposal and the admission of mistakes by FIFA, Gianni Infantino retained his position as FIFA president.

6Aug

Al Jazeera

FIFA pledged unwavering support for President Gianni Infantino following the abandonment of a controversial World Cup commercial rights plan.

7Aug

BBC

Despite Fifa's acknowledgment of mistakes, Uefa remains unsatisfied with Infantino's actions and continues to oppose him.

Al Jazeera

FIFA President Gianni Infantino gained support from Argentina, Mexico, and Africa, deepening the organization's divisions.

8Aug

Al Jazeera

FIFA President Gianni Infantino received support from South American football leaders during his visit to Colombia for the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella.

9Aug

Al Jazeera

FIFA condemns a coordinated effort to undermine President Infantino, while defending his leadership amidst calls for his resignation.

11Aug

Al Jazeera

Despite criticism, FIFA president Gianni Infantino remains in his position following a withdrawal of a private investment plan due to backlash from UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC.

14Aug

Al Jazeera

New Zealand, the only Oceania nation in the World Cup, withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino's re-election bid due to a controversial commercial rights stake sale plan.

18Aug

Al Jazeera

Kevin Lamour resigned from FIFA on August 17, 2026, following his criticism of Gianni Infantino's plan to sell World Cup commercial rights.

20Aug

Al Jazeera

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces a no-confidence vote from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF due to their opposition to his proposal to sell private investors a stake in FIFA events.

24Aug

Al Jazeera

Ceferin, UEFA head, warns Infantino, FIFA president, to resign or face challenge at March FIFA Congress, criticizing his plan for private investment.

30Aug

Al Jazeera

The KNVB, a founding member of FIFA, called for a summit to discuss overhauling FIFA and replacing President Gianni Infantino by 2027.

3 weeks later

21Sept

Al Jazeera

FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed an independent external review and stakeholder consultations to reform FIFA's governance framework following backlash over a scrapped investment plan.

23Sept

LATEST UPDATE — Al Jazeera

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stated that trust in football remains broken following FIFA's abandoned private investment plan during a video address at the Portugal Football Summit.

Story concluded