FIFA takes emergency action amid an unprecedented crisis in its history

The power crisis at FIFA is intensifying, with President Gianni Infantino calling an urgent meeting in Morocco. Criticisms from UEFA, ex-players, and FIFA insiders are raising major questions about the leader's future in world football.

Gianni Infantino is facing one of the toughest periods since taking charge of FIFA. According to Reuters, the FIFA President has gathered top officials in Morocco for an emergency meeting to stabilize the situation after the plan to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors collapsed. This move comes as the wave of opposition continues to spread.

The root of the crisis stems from a proposal to sell 20% of the shares in the entity managing World Cup commercial rights to raise $4.2 billion. Although Infantino withdrew the proposal last week, UEFA has declared it no longer has confidence in his leadership. This development is now overshadowing the FIFA presidential election next March. Observers believe FIFA is entering a period of chaos unlike any before in its history.

Not only losing support from some European federations, Infantino is also facing harsh reactions from within FIFA. Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom is said to have sent a letter to staff, calling it a "sad and regrettable chain of events" that led to the project being "permanently cancelled." He also emphasized: "Individuals, turbulent times, and unfortunate incidents will pass. But the organization, its mission, and its responsibility to world football will continue...", without directly mentioning Infantino's name.

This view aligns with statements from CEO Kevin Lamour, who believes FIFA staff were "deceived" by a plan that served only one person's ambitions. At the same time, senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, while Global Football Development Director Arsene Wenger affirmed he was not involved in drafting the proposal and that withdrawing the plan was "absolutely necessary."

The wave of criticism continues to surge from many influential figures in football. Legend Luis Figo called it "the most despicable, deceitful, and self-serving behavior I have ever witnessed," and declared: "I could write 10,000 words about FIFA's problems. But the solution only needs three words: Infantino must go." Meanwhile, UEFA Vice President Laura McAllister remarked: "There is a lot of unease about how FIFA unilaterally handled the FFE project last week. I believe this meeting will be a turning point."

Nevertheless, Infantino still enjoys support from many non-European federations. Morocco, co-host of the 2030 World Cup, continues to publicly back him. Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines have also declared their support for the FIFA President. The Philippines Football Federation affirmed they still support the goal of "expanding commercial and financial support to all 211 member associations, especially smaller markets like the Philippines."

Meanwhile, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, President of the Jordan Football Association, is heating up the crisis by accusing FIFA of "blackmail" in exchange for support, and declared: "We did not support him before and certainly will not do so now." With no strong challenger emerging, Infantino's future remains uncertain, but clearly the most powerful seat in FIFA is under unprecedented pressure.