Is Infantino on the Brink? Who Could Replace Him if He Leaves?

Just weeks ago, FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared to be at the peak of his influence, travelling across the United States by private jet during the closing stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On July 19, Infantino joined U.S. President Donald Trump in presenting the World Cup trophy to Spain after their tournament triumph.

Less than two weeks later, however, Infantino finds himself under mounting pressure after abandoning controversial plans to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors.

Criticism has come from several quarters, including UK political figures, football supporters, and, more significantly, football governing bodies. While public criticism is not unusual for the FIFA president, the strongest challenge has come from within the game’s leadership.

UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions and issued a statement saying it has lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also expressed concerns over FIFA’s governance.

“This issue extends far beyond a single proposal,” the AFC said. “It has exposed fundamental weaknesses in FIFA’s consultation and decision-making processes that must now be addressed.”

Sources also indicate that most CONCACAF members have either lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership or are rapidly doing so after rejecting his investment proposal.

Adding to the pressure, Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s special adviser and a senior adviser to the White House Task Force on the 2026 World Cup, has resigned.

FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour told the Associated Press that FIFA’s own administration had been “deceived” over the investment project.

The developments have fueled speculation over whether Infantino’s presidency could be nearing its end.

Could Infantino Leave?

Despite the growing criticism, many observers believe Infantino still enjoys enough support among FIFA’s member associations to remain in office.

Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein told BBC Sport that while such a setback would normally cost a leader their job, FIFA operates differently.

“If he has the support of enough national associations, he will continue,” Bernstein said.

Former FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce also believes Infantino is still likely to secure another four-year term, although he admitted that continued controversy could change the situation.

Infantino has served as FIFA president since 2016 after defeating AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa by 115 votes to 88. He succeeded Sepp Blatter, who stepped down amid corruption allegations before later being cleared of corruption charges.

Since taking office, Infantino has twice been re-elected unopposed, and many had expected the same outcome at FIFA’s next presidential election in March 2027.

Potential Successors

Victor Montagliani – The CONCACAF president and former Canada Soccer president is regarded as one of the strongest contenders. Elected in 2016 on promises of governance reform, he played a major role in organizing the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has consistently opposed proposals such as a 64-team World Cup and biennial World Cups.

Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa – The AFC president has overseen significant growth in Asian football, including the expansion of club competitions and the Women’s Champions League. He also backed the AFC’s strong criticism of FIFA’s governance.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi – The Paris Saint-Germain president, who also chairs European Football Clubs, has successfully expanded the organisation’s membership. Although considered a credible candidate, sources close to him insist he has no interest in seeking the FIFA presidency.

Mattias Grafström – FIFA’s Secretary General has become an increasingly influential figure within the organisation since his appointment in 2024. However, his close association with Infantino and the belief that FIFA’s next president should come from outside Europe may work against him.

FIFA’s next president will be elected during the organisation’s 77th Congress in Morocco next March, with candidates required to submit their nominations by November 18.