Concerns over FIFA governance

By Liam Tremblay — 5 August 2026 — 3 min read

Concerns over FIFA governance

The association of European Leagues has called for governance reform within FIFA, increasing pressure on president Gianni Infantino. This follows his withdrawn plan to sell stakes in the World Cup. The organization, which includes major competitions such as the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, characterized the proposal as “dangerous” and indicated it highlighted deeper issues regarding FIFA’s operational methods.

European Leagues stated that the proposal raised “serious questions about FIFA’s governance, internal culture and decision-making.” The organization emphasized the need for governance reform to ensure that all relevant stakeholders have a formal role in decisions that shape the future of the sport.

The association also criticized the potential expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams, asserting that “FIFA must not be allowed to continue taking unilaterally disruptive decisions.” It declared that until reforms are implemented, it would reject the “expansion or creation” of FIFA competitions.

Calls for leadership change

Luis Figo, a former player for Portugal and Real Madrid, also called for Infantino’s resignation. Figo described Infantino’s recent actions as “the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour I have ever witnessed.”

Figo, who was first elected to office in 2016, stated that Infantino “has debased the office of FIFA President that he promised to elevate” and accused him of lying and deceiving.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has also applied significant pressure, having previously voted to boycott the World Cup if Infantino proceeded with plans to sell profits from its top competition through a commercial subsidiary. Even after Infantino’s decision to retract the plan, UEFA indicated it had lost confidence in FIFA‘s leadership.

The governing body for North, Central American, and Caribbean soccer, CONCACAF, also commented that FIFA leadership had “stopped putting football first.” These condemnations follow a turbulent week that has brought Infantino’s presidency into question ahead of elections scheduled for March.

Internal divisions and future outlook

Divisions within FIFA have become apparent, with top officials Arsène Wenger and secretary-general Mattias Grafström distancing themselves from the plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. This internal discord was also highlighted by the resignation of Infantino’s senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, last week, and comments from chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, who stated that staff felt “deceived” by the president’s lack of openness.

Reports from media outlets have referred to a summit held in Rabat, Morocco, as a “crisis meeting.” This meeting occurred amid growing expectations that Infantino will face a challenge in the upcoming election, where he was reportedly aiming for a fourth and final term in office.

In response to a British media report suggesting Infantino offered Morocco the hosting of the final at the 2030 World Cup to secure support for his presidency, FIFA issued a denial. A FIFA spokesperson stated that it is “false and misleading to claim the FIFA president has made any promise in relation to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 final.” The spokesperson added that a decision on the final’s location would be made by FIFA in due course.

Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are the main co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup. Morocco hopes to host the final at the planned 115,000-seat King Hassan II Stadium near Casablanca, while Spain has at least two contenders for the final, which are the home stadiums of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Source: edmonton.citynews.ca