African football leader suggests FIFA election as way to challenge Infantino

By Ama Serwah — 12 August 2026 — 3 min read

Divisions Emerge Over FIFA Leadership

Divisions have emerged regarding the leadership of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was previously expected to secure re-election without significant opposition. While many of FIFA‘s 210 member associations initially endorsed his bid for a fourth term, the situation has changed following his abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors. The global football community is now split on whether Infantino should continue in his role.

A recent assessment indicates that approximately 73 member associations currently support Infantino, while 124 are in opposition, and 13 remain undecided. This landscape is fluid and could change in the coming months. Several European countries, including England and Wales, have withdrawn their letters of support for Infantino.

The backlash intensified when Uefa (Europe), Concacaf (North America), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued a joint letter, accusing Infantino and FIFA of breaching trust through deception. These three regional governing bodies collectively represent 136 associations. However, some members within these confederations, such as Bhutan, the Philippines, and the UAE in Asia, have continued to back Infantino.

Potential Challengers and Strategic Alliances

Infantino still maintains strong support, particularly from Africa (Caf) and South America (Conmebol). These confederations have reportedly benefited from significant investment since he assumed leadership a decade ago. This investment could be crucial in securing votes from nations within the AFC, Concacaf, and OFC (Oceania Football Confederation) that have received substantial funding through the FIFA Forward programme.

The Concacaf president, Victor Montagliani, is widely considered the most likely candidate to challenge Infantino in the upcoming presidential election. Although Montagliani has stated his current focus is on his re-election as president of the North and Central American confederation, his past statements, including a speech at the FIFA congress, suggest a critical view of leadership styles that prioritize power over service to football. If Uefa, Concacaf, and the AFC are serious about removing Infantino, uniting behind a single candidate is seen as their most effective strategy.

Opponents of Infantino are reportedly collaborating to develop a new framework for governing world football. This initiative aims to replace what they perceive as a patronage system that has developed under Infantino‘s leadership. The discussions involve fundamental questions about FIFA‘s role, structure, and governance model, with a particular focus on the equitable distribution of funds from FIFA‘s estimated $5bn reserves.

Future of FIFA Leadership

The deadline for candidates to announce their intention to run for the presidency is in November. If Infantino declines to engage with the proposed new framework, it could be adopted by a challenger in the presidential election next year or potentially serve as a blueprint for a new football organization. Senior European football figures are currently meeting in Salzburg, where the Uefa Super Cup final will be held, to reinforce unity in their demand for change at the top of FIFA.

Uefa has maintained its stance on boycotting FIFA competitions, such as the upcoming Under-20 Women’s World Cup, unless FIFA agrees to an independent review of the proposed World Cup sell-off and provides legally binding assurances that similar actions will not be repeated. The global picture remains uncertain due to emerging divisions within confederations and the absence of a declared candidate to challenge Infantino, but it is clear that his path to a fourth term is no longer unopposed.

An emergency meeting of the FIFA Council could potentially force Infantino‘s resignation if 19 of the 37 members call for it, with such a meeting required to take place within a fortnight. However, given the composition of the council, this approach is considered unlikely. The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) initiated a consultation process among its members on 30 July, with a position expected after its executive committee meeting in Fiji.

Source: bbc.com