Archive · 3 Aug 2026
FIFA Council Rebels Seek to Challenge Infantino Over World Cup
Gianni Infantino is the boss of FIFA, the group that runs world soccer.
Some people in FIFA want to hold a big meeting to see if he should keep his job.
They are upset because he lifted a ban on a U.S. player, Folarin Balogun, during the World Cup.
Infantino also tried to sell part of a new World Cup company to a firm called Thrive Capital, but he stopped after other soccer groups said no.
Some soccer groups in Africa and South America still support him, but many in Europe and Spain want new leadership.
The meeting could decide if Infantino stays or leaves.
FIFA council members plan an extraordinary general meeting to potentially remove President Gianni Infantino.
The dispute centers on Infantino’s decision to lift the suspension of U.S. player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, a move that involved U.S. President Donald Trump.
Infantino had earlier proposed selling a 20% stake in a new World Cup operating company to Thrive Capital, but withdrew the offer after backlash from UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC.
African and South American football confederations (CAF and CONMEBOL) continue to support Infantino, while European leagues’ leaders criticize his actions.
La Liga president Javier Tebas called for new leadership, stating Infantino must not continue as FIFA president.
- Who
- FIFA council members and President Gianni Infantino
- What
- Potential extraordinary general meeting to challenge Infantino’s presidency over World Cup decisions
- When
- Ongoing
- Where
- FIFA council, world football
- Why
- Dispute over lifting suspension of Folarin Balogun and earlier stake‑sale proposal
- President
- Gianni Infantino
- Council Members
- 28 representatives
- EGM Threshold
- 19 of 37 members
- Stake Sale Plan
- 20% stake to Thrive Capital
- Confederations Supporting Infantino
- CAF, CONMEBOL