UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF weigh no-confidence vote to remove FIFA president Infantino over World Cup stake sale plan

Regional football powerhouses UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF are discussing a vote of no confidence to oust FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to senior figures familiar with the talks. The move follows Infantino’s proposal to sell private investors a stake in FIFA events, including the World Cup, which sparked widespread opposition among football governing bodies.

A source told Reuters on condition of anonymity that “there is no way out,” adding that Infantino must either step down voluntarily before the March 2027 election or face a formal challenge. Under FIFA’s statutes, an Extraordinary Congress can be convened if at least one-fifth of FIFA’s 211 member associations submit a written request specifying the agenda. Each association would then hold one vote, though FIFA’s statutes contain no explicit provision for a no-confidence vote against the president.

UEFA has not confirmed whether a no-confidence motion is under discussion but referred to its earlier statement calling for a “thorough and fundamental” review of FIFA’s leadership, with “no option off the table.” CONCACAF declined to comment directly, citing a joint statement with UEFA and AFC accusing FIFA’s leadership of a “fundamental breach of trust.” AFC did not respond to requests for comment. FIFA also did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Al Jazeera.

Infantino has stated he intends to seek re-election at the March 2027 FIFA Congress and retains support from key blocs, including the African confederation CAF and six Asian federations, such as Qatar and Morocco. However, his position has weakened following the resignation of FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, and the withdrawal of support by vice president Sandor Csanyi, who cited a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

Meanwhile, fan organizations led by Football Supporters Europe have launched a global petition demanding Infantino’s resignation and a reform of FIFA. The petition, backed by continental fan groups in Europe, Africa and North America, as well as nearly 40 national associations, condemns Infantino’s “shameful attempt” to sell World Cup stakes to private investors as a “profound failure of leadership.” The fans’ statement also accuses Infantino of undermining football through actions such as his involvement in the European Super League discussions, the proposed biennial World Cup, and what they describe as a culture of intimidation within FIFA.

The crisis deepened after FIFA initially withdrew the privatization proposal and apologized to its members, but the backlash has continued. Scotland became the latest national association to announce it would not support Infantino in the 2027 election, joining England, the Republic of Ireland and Wales in calling for greater transparency and governance reforms. The deadline for candidate nominations is November 18, 2026, and no rival has yet publicly declared their intention to run.