Overview
- FIFA abandoned a secret plan in late July to sell about 20 percent of a commercial vehicle that valued World Cup rights at roughly $20 billion after fierce opposition from UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF.
- Gianni Infantino attended the U-20 Women’s World Cup opener in Katowice on Sept. 5 and repeatedly declined to answer questions about whether he will step down or run again.
- Fan groups ran large digital billboards in Times Square calling for Infantino’s removal and activists have amplified public pressure on FIFA’s membership.
- UEFA has pursued legal discovery in U.S. courts seeking evidence linked to investors tied to Joshua Kushner and is exploring action in Switzerland while FIFA has filed court papers accusing UEFA of a smear campaign.
- Many African federations have publicly reaffirmed support for Infantino on the basis of expanded development funding and tournament growth, a backing that reshapes voting math ahead of the March 2027 presidential contest and could determine whether governance reforms follow.