Archive · 26 Aug 2026
European Leagues Chief Calls for FIFA Reform, Infantino Exit
Claudius Schaefer, a leader of European football leagues, wants FIFA to change how it is run.
He says FIFA President Gianni Infantino has too much influence.
Schaefer also says important decisions are sometimes made without asking affected football groups.
He criticized FIFA’s decision to give a peace prize to Donald Trump.
He also criticized a decision involving player Folarin Balogun during this year’s World Cup.
Schaefer said political involvement in sports can damage trust in football.
He believes FIFA needs major reforms.
He says those reforms would require a different president.
FIFA did not immediately respond to the criticism.
European Leagues President Claudius Schaefer questioned Gianni Infantino’s suitability to remain FIFA president.
Schaefer said FIFA’s president has gained increasing influence and major decisions lack meaningful stakeholder consultation.
His criticism follows conflict over FIFA’s abandoned proposal to sell part of the World Cup’s commercial rights.
Schaefer cited FIFA’s peace prize for Donald Trump and a red-card decision involving Folarin Balogun as threats to football’s integrity.
Infantino is seeking a fourth term next year, while Schaefer said structural reform matters more than simply replacing him.
- Who
- Claudius Schaefer, president of European Leagues, criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- What
- Schaefer called for reform of FIFA and said Infantino should not continue as president.
- When
- The comments were reported in an interview published on Wednesday; Infantino is seeking re-election next year.
- Where
- The comments concerned FIFA, an association under Swiss law; Schaefer said European Leagues has viewed FIFA closely in Switzerland.
- Why
- Schaefer cited growing presidential influence, insufficient consultation, political intervention, and decisions he said raise questions about football’s integrity.
- Speaker
- Claudius Schaefer, president of European Leagues
- Organization represented
- European Leagues represents 53 professional men’s and women’s football leagues.
- Main criticism
- Schaefer questioned Gianni Infantino’s suitability to continue as FIFA president.
- Re-election
- Infantino is seeking a fourth term next year.
- Disputed proposal
- FIFA’s proposal to sell part of the World Cup’s commercial rights was abandoned.
- Other concerns
- Schaefer criticized FIFA’s peace prize for Donald Trump and a red-card decision involving Folarin Balogun.
- FIFA response
- FIFA did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.