Infantino to hold crisis meeting with senior FIFA staff

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has summoned senior staff to an emergency meeting in Rabat on Wednesday, a clear sign that his authority is under siege after a day of unprecedented backlash against his leadership.

Pressure mounts as Infantino’s plans collapse

Infantino’s decision to convene the crisis talks follows the collapse of his proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a private company intended to manage the commercial and operational sides of FIFA tournaments. The plan was abandoned after senior figures within FIFA’s own ranks publicly criticised it, with Arsène Wenger—FIFA’s chief of global football development—and Infantino’s second-in-command both voicing concerns over the move.

The timing of the U-turn is telling. Infantino had pushed FFE as a way to modernise FIFA’s revenue streams, but the backlash suggests the organisation’s traditional power structures are resisting change. The withdrawal of the plan, combined with growing dissent from member associations, has left Infantino exposed at a moment when his presidency is under intense scrutiny.

Jordan’s accusation of “blackmail” deepens the crisis

The pressure on Infantino escalated further on Tuesday when the Jordan Football Association accused FIFA of attempting to “blackmail” them over World Cup funding in exchange for their support. The allegation, which FIFA has not publicly addressed, adds to a growing list of grievances from member nations who feel sidelined in decision-making processes.

Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s endorsement of Lise Klaveness as a potential successor to Infantino has only intensified the sense of a leadership vacuum. Blatter, who remains a polarising figure in world football, rarely intervenes in current affairs, making his intervention a significant moment. His public backing for Klaveness—a former Norwegian international and current president of the Norwegian Football Federation—signals that Infantino’s position is no longer unassailable.

What happens next?

The meeting in Morocco will determine whether Infantino can regain control or if his presidency is effectively over. Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol described the atmosphere as “very, very tense,” with two possible outcomes emerging: a dignified resignation or a defiant fight to retain power.

If Infantino chooses to resign, it would mark the end of a presidency defined by ambition but marred by controversy. His tenure has seen FIFA expand the World Cup to 48 teams and secure lucrative commercial deals, yet his methods—particularly around transparency and governance—have drawn repeated criticism. A resignation would force FIFA into a leadership election at a time when the organisation is already grappling with questions over its direction.

Alternatively, if Infantino digs in, the meeting could become a showdown. His supporters, particularly in Africa, Asia, and South America, may still rally behind him, arguing that his reforms are necessary for FIFA’s future. But with Blatter’s intervention and the Jordan FA’s accusation, the tide appears to be turning against him.

One thing is certain: Wednesday’s talks will not be a routine boardroom discussion. FIFA’s credibility is on the line, and the decisions made in Rabat could reshape world football’s governing body for years to come.