Archive · 13 Aug 2026
African Football Chief Says Elections Must Decide Infantino's Future
Some of the most important people in football are upset with Gianni Infantino, the boss of FIFA, the group that runs world football.
He had planned to sell part of the World Cup to private investors, and many people did not like that idea.
He stopped the plan, but his critics are still angry.
They say he broke their trust and did not ask the football community first.
Big football groups from Europe, the Americas and Asia wrote a letter saying this.
National football associations in Ireland, England and Wales also stopped supporting him.
However, Patrice Motsepe, the leader of African football, says the right way to decide is to hold an election.
He says all 211 member associations should vote on whether they still trust Infantino.
Some groups are even talking about boycotting the World Cup if he stays.
CAF chief Patrice Motsepe says Gianni Infantino's future should be decided through elections, not by pressure to resign.
Infantino is fighting to save his job after criticism over his aborted plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC sent a joint letter declaring 'trust is broken through deception.'
The Football Association of Ireland withdrew its support for Infantino, following the English FA and Welsh FA.
UEFA is threatening to boycott the World Cup and Club World Cup in protest at Infantino's scheme.
- Who
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces criticism from UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC, as well as national federations including Ireland, England and Wales; CAF chief Patrice Motsepe defends the election process.
- What
- A dispute over Infantino's aborted plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, with critics calling for his resignation and Motsepe arguing only elections should decide his fate.
- When
- The joint letter was sent this week and several developments were reported on Thursday, ahead of FIFA elections expected in March next year.
- Where
- Motsepe held talks with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin in Salzburg at the UEFA Super Cup; the report is datelined London.
- Why
- Critics cite concerns over governance, transparency and lack of meaningful consultation, saying trust was broken through deception.
Critics calling for resignation
Supporters backing the electoral process
How Infantino's future should be decided
Critics calling for resignation
UEFA, CONCACAF, the AFC and several national federations say trust is broken and want Infantino to resign before he can seek re-election in March.
Supporters backing the electoral process
Patrice Motsepe says the proper process is an election, and the 211 member associations should vote on whether they have confidence in Infantino.
The World Cup sell-off plan
Critics calling for resignation
Critics say the aborted plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors was deceptive and lacked meaningful consultation.
Supporters backing the electoral process
Motsepe claims there was no breach of rules because proposals would be submitted to FIFA members for final approval, and notes Infantino has apologised.
Threatened boycotts and judgement
Critics calling for resignation
UEFA is threatening to boycott the World Cup and Club World Cup in protest at Infantino's scheme.
Supporters backing the electoral process
CAF had already backed Infantino, and Motsepe urged caution before passing judgement, saying everybody has a right to be heard at a proper forum.
- FIFA President
- Gianni Infantino, aged 56
- Motsepe's roles
- CAF president and FIFA vice-president
- Federations withdrawing support
- Ireland (FAI), England (FA), Wales (FAW)
- Federations in joint letter
- UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC
- Planned FIFA election
- March next year
- FIFA membership
- 211 member associations
- Threatened boycotts
- World Cup and Club World Cup (by UEFA)
- Talks location
- Salzburg, at the UEFA Super Cup