Gianni Infantino’s future will be decided in Morocco

The challenge erupted after the failure of a project aimed at opening up participation in the commercial activities of the World Cup to private investors. This initiative sparked strong opposition among European, North American and Asian football bodies.

On Bladi.net : Infantino Crisis: Could Morocco Lose the 2030 World Cup Final?

Infantino intends to seek a new term for the 2027–2031 period. But the successive withdrawals of support show that his re-election is no longer unanimously supported by the national federations.

According to Reuters, five figures are now being mentioned as potential opponents or successors. None has yet officially submitted a candidacy.

Five possible rivals for Infantino

Victor Montagliani, the Canadian president of Concacaf, is reportedly considering running. His organization had opposed the project to open up to private investors, without going so far as to call for a boycott of FIFA competitions.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is also among the names being mentioned. His relationship with Gianni Infantino has seriously deteriorated, and he boycotted the World Cup final after several disagreements with FIFA’s leadership.

Bahraini Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian confederation and vice president of the FIFA Council, could also enter the race. The AFC publicly criticized the International Federation’s consultation and decision-making methods.

Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, is reportedly receiving early support from some European officials. Norwegian Lise Klaveness, who strongly opposed Infantino’s project, completes the list of figures being mentioned.

On Bladi.net : Global Football: Morocco Becomes the Center of the World, Europe Sidelined

The balance of power remains unsettled: each of the 211 member federations has one vote. But the loss of several European supporters and the emergence of credible rivals are already changing the significance of the next congress. Morocco could therefore host, on March 18, a genuine battle for control of world football.