Rabat meeting addresses Infantino’s leadership amid criticism
Infantino faces scrutiny in Rabat
Fifa President Gianni Infantino is currently in Salé, Morocco, where he is reportedly attempting to secure his presidency amidst growing criticism. Reports suggest that Infantino’s aides have been contacting Fifa Legends, paid former player ambassadors, to solicit public support for him. One such ambassador, Luís Figo, publicly condemned Infantino’s proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, describing it as “the lowest, most deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour I have ever witnessed.”
Infantino is scheduled to meet with senior leaders of Fifa‘s governing body in Rabat. This meeting follows an internal memo from Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, which was highly critical of Infantino’s now-abandoned plan to sell off Fifa‘s commercial and event operations. Arsene Wenger, Fifa‘s chief of global football development, stated he was “not involved” in the proposal and that its cancellation was “absolutely necessary and beyond question.”
Prince Ali, president of the Jordanian Football Association, has accused Fifa of creating a situation that amounts to blackmail regarding unpaid prize money and support for Infantino’s re-election. These claims have not been independently verified, but they highlight the strong opposition to Infantino among member associations. Uefa has also expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership, with several member associations, including Wales, withdrawing their support for his re-election.
Key questions and potential reforms
The meeting in Rabat, understood to be held at Fifa‘s Africa office, will include Grafstrom and members of the Fifa management board, such as finance chief Thomas Peyer, legal chief Emilio Garcia Silvero, chief of staff Daniel O’Toole, chief of member associations Elkhan Mammadov, and media relations director Bryan Swanson. The intention of the meeting is unclear, but it is anticipated that Infantino will seek to mend relationships and find a path to retain his presidency.
Kevin Lamour, Fifa‘s chief operating officer, previously stated that the private investment plan was “the project of one person” and that Fifa‘s administration was “deceived.” Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s senior adviser on global strategy and governance, resigned over the plan, calling it “a bad deal for football” that would “mortgage football’s future.”
Cordeiro posed several questions that Infantino is likely to face, including the rationale behind the deal, its timing, oversight mechanisms, beneficiaries, the competitive process, governance structures, and the ultimate cost to football. Member associations were given a deadline of 19 September to approve the plan or risk losing additional funding. Infantino may need to demonstrate contrition and propose reforms, such as implementing additional checks and balances, to regain support.
The path forward for Infantino’s leadership
Despite the intense criticism, it appears unlikely that Infantino will resign immediately. He has been attempting to rally support globally, with countries like Egypt, Morocco, Niger, Mauritania, and the DR Congo issuing statements in his favour. However, he will need to address serious questions about what has been described as a controversial and damaging week for Fifa.
If Infantino chooses to continue, Uefa and other confederations may explore alternative avenues to remove him. One option is for 19 of the 37 Fifa Council members to call for an emergency meeting. Another possibility is an extraordinary congress of the 211 Fifa member associations, which could be triggered if 43 associations make a written request. Uefa, with its 55 nations, could initiate such a congress, which would take at least two to three months to convene.
This process would effectively serve as a de facto election, requiring 106 votes to pass a vote of no confidence. Infantino would have time to regain support from those angered by the investment plan. The deadline for candidates to challenge Infantino in the Fifa Congress in March is 18 November. Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is considered a potential unity candidate to oppose Infantino.
Infantino’s decision to hold the meeting in Rabat, a location considered friendly territory due to Morocco hosting the next World Cup and its national football association’s support, suggests an attempt to foster unity and alignment among his senior staff. However, the response from those present, particularly given the critical statements from key officials, remains uncertain.
Source: theguardian.com
