FIFA president Gianni Infantino declined to reveal his plans for the future while attending the opening match of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Saturday. Infantino was questioned about his position as pressure continues to build following the collapse of his controversial proposal to sell a portion of FIFA’s future World Cup profits.
Infantino watched hosts Poland take on Argentina on the opening day of the tournament. When Sky News asked about his future, the FIFA chief said the matter would be discussed at an appropriate time, but stressed that the focus for now should be on football.
“There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this. It's not today, it's not here, but here and today, we are enjoying football,” Infantino told Sky News.
He avoided giving a direct answer when asked if he had considered stepping down or whether he intended to pursue a fourth term in next year’s FIFA presidential election. Instead, Infantino highlighted FIFA’s broader efforts to expand football’s presence and opportunities around the world.
“We are continuing at FIFA, of course, to work to give every corner of the world a chance, an opportunity, a dignity, to find ways and means for them to become better and to participate and to celebrate football, which we all love,” he said.
INFANTINO UNDER PRESSURE
Pressure on Infantino has intensified since details emerged in July about a proposed $20 billion FIFA subsidiary that would have managed commercial rights, including those associated with the World Cup. The proposed venture involved investors led by a New York-based fund established by Joshua Kushner, with FIFA’s 211 member associations set to receive $20 million each.
The plan was abandoned within four days following resistance from several football confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, along with criticism from senior FIFA officials. Several European countries also threatened to boycott the Under-20 Women’s World Cup until FIFA assured them that the proposal would not be brought back.
However, the controversy remains unresolved. FIFA filed a court document on Thursday accusing UEFA of running a “smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership”, while legal proceedings connected to the abandoned plan are still underway.
With FIFA’s presidential election due to take place next year, Infantino’s decision not to clarify whether he will pursue another term has left his political future unclear. For the moment, he has indicated that his priority remains FIFA’s work rather than addressing speculation about his position.
