Who Will Be the Next FIFA President?

[KTChampions]

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I'm actually surprised that UEFA doesn't just want to deal with one bastard, but is trying to solve the problem systemically.

This is actually the very first time that it becomes evident how powerful the UEFA really is. It always felt like it is one level below the FIFA, which makes sense of course, but what is Infantino going to do if the UEFA really decided to boycott a World Cup and not participate? What would a World Cup be without all those top teams? It is not going well for him, but he still tries to clinch onto his position by essentially bribing the smaller nations with money to get their votes. If I understand correctly, the rule is still that every country has the same voting weight and this is perhaps the only way out for him. But I think the UEFA would really double down on the pressure they are now putting onto him.

One of the funniest details about his presidency is that since he took over and his first term only was three years I think? That he then argued he could still be elected again as his first term doesn't count.

In fact, it has always been like this, UEFA is an association of the richest and most skilled federations, all the rest are just an addition (many are offended by this fact, eh). Incidentally, the last time this manifested itself was not so long ago - Infantino was promoting the idea of ​​an annual (or biennial?) Club World Cup, but in the end Europe had its say and FIFA got a slap in the face. And the new format of the Club World Cup is played the way they see it in Europe - once every four years.
By the way, I forgot about this clown show with the term counting. The first three years supposedly "don't count" because Blatter was suspended urgently. They have no shame whatsoever lol.

[Charcol]

Although no media outlet says anything about this, I agree with you. I personally think that there is something going on between FIFA and Trump. Especially when it comes to red cards, everyone should accept that if he, as a head of state, makes disciplinary decisions on the field, then we have no idea how corrupt FIFA is. For these reasons, Infantino himself has also been criticized.

However, I think Trump does not completely control FIFA. Because if you look at the incidents of UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF raising questions about their trust and transparency against FIFA, you will understand. Think for yourself, if Trump really controlled FIFA completely, I do not think that the three big confederations would have spoken out against Infantino.

I just explained in the post above yours how this is not corruption by any real definition of corruption, and that it is very common in many kinds of relationships. It is called political influence or just influence. You may not like Trump for whatever reason, but that will never make the events that happened there corruption. It could have been anyone who made the call, let's say Elon Musk. Infantino may like him for some reason or need him and decided that he agrees with the request, it would not be any kind of corruption it would be simple influence or more often known in different ways as lobbying.

Agreed, it may not be right to call a decision corruption if it is not liked. But I cannot agree with the part of your discussion "this is not corruption by any real definition of corruption". Because corruption is not always limited to taking money or bribes. At the same time, abuse of power, giving advantages to others due to personal or political connections are also included in corruption. If Trump wants to bypass the normal process of the World Cup, then in my opinion it can be a serious problem in the governance system. And you know that Trump himself admitted that he called Infantino to reconsider Balogun's red card. Then we saw how FIFA automatically suspended the match for a year.
@Dogedegen I have a question for you, I will leave aside the issue of whether Trump called or not.@Dogedegen Just tell me if the head of state of any other country called in the same situation, would FIFA reconsider the decision in the same way?

Probably not.

[Dogedegen]

I hope the winner is a professional and outstanding footballer, which isn't necessarily the case. It's like thinking that to give specialized sports commentary you have to be a professional athlete, but undoubtedly, a football player's perspective lends more weight to their ideas and opinions than someone who hasn't even played the sport professionally.

In that sense, I'm reminded of Michel Platini, but he was a fiasco after being implicated in corruption scandals.

So, having said that, I hope he's someone who thinks about investing in football to help it grow in developing countries and allows FIFA's resources to reach players from low-income backgrounds.

This could be a mistake. If someone is among the best people in a sport that is good, but often they do not have leadership and management skills. Even if the person has later become a coach this is very different from leading an organization such as FIFA. The worst mistake would be to get someone who is not a proven good leader or good in football, but if you have to pick between the two leadership and management skills are more important to run an organization like FIFA than the history in the sports. It is difficult because sometimes even a good leader from different industries or different kinds of organizations will fail when he takes up something that is very different, we pay more attention to these things with big companies and they happen almost regularly.

I've seen FIFA resources reach the various confederations, but they aren't managed well. Whoever he is, I hope he does a good job.

I think the same, because his background is not of any use if he does not do a good job later whatever the background. Sometimes people with a weak background can end up doing a very great job, it really depends on so many things that it is hard to explain it in a short way.

Agreed, it may not be right to call a decision corruption if it is not liked. But I cannot agree with the part of your discussion "this is not corruption by any real definition of corruption". Because corruption is not always limited to taking money or bribes. At the same time, abuse of power, giving advantages to others due to personal or political connections are also included in corruption. If Trump wants to bypass the normal process of the World Cup, then in my opinion it can be a serious problem in the governance system. And you know that Trump himself admitted that he called Infantino to reconsider Balogun's red card. Then we saw how FIFA automatically suspended the match for a year.

You are correct to say that, but the main reason why I bring the money example of corruption is because it is easier to understand that simply influence does not make it corruption it needs another element of abuse. Look at ChatGPT says on this case.

If you mean the Balogun case, I would distinguish between an unusual or improper decision and corruption.

FIFA did not technically erase the red card. Its Disciplinary Committee suspended the automatic one-match suspension for one year under Article 27, leaving the red card on Balogun's record.

But that still doesn't prove corruption. It creates a legitimate question about political interference, undue influence, favoritism, or abuse of authority. To call it corruption as an established fact, you'd want evidence connecting the political intervention to an improper preferential outcome.

Details like this matter, even just because a call has been made that does not mean that there was an abuse that would make the corruption a fact.

@Dogedegen I have a question for you, I will leave aside the issue of whether Trump called or not.@Dogedegen Just tell me if the head of state of any other country called in the same situation, would FIFA reconsider the decision in the same way?

Probably not.

We do not know that, and I do not like to speculate on something that has so many variables since we are just almost like gossiping. You could maybe justifiably say probably not but that is just your personal opinion on it, it is not an established fact. A question like that is not possible to answer unless we have at least 1 case for each country and with Infantino being in charge during that time. Even that would maybe not prove anything because the situations where the ask is being made could be very different.

[MainIbem]

Agreed, it may not be right to call a decision corruption if it is not liked. But I cannot agree with the part of your discussion "this is not corruption by any real definition of corruption". Because corruption is not always limited to taking money or bribes. At the same time, abuse of power, giving advantages to others due to personal or political connections are also included in corruption. If Trump wants to bypass the normal process of the World Cup, then in my opinion it can be a serious problem in the governance system. And you know that Trump himself admitted that he called Infantino to reconsider Balogun's red card. Then we saw how FIFA automatically suspended the match for a year.

Probably not.

I don't support Trump's influence in the game cause FIFA made many wrong calls like in the case of Algeria and Argentina where Messi fouled a player and was supposed to be carded but the president of that country didn't meddle with the game, even when fans aired their opinions on the situation they let it slide so Trump should've done same. It's just that he's a very influential person and the president of a country with world power else Infantino wouldn't had listened to him, i see that as being unfair and bias and i understand your opinion about it being corruption.

[Alonso_]

Gianni Infantino will remain president as long as Trump has his back and performs as acting President. If you know what I mean, you know.
As long as he has backup from Trump, he will remain as President. He heard everything Trump said. I hate it when the political leaders involve themself in sports. I was kind of shocked to see a red card was overturned. Now everyone knows that FIFA is corrupt as well. FIFA officials are corrupted as well. So, it doesn't matter who becomes the next president. Trump will be there as a Acting president.

How do you mean Trump is going to be there as acting President ?.

I agree with you that Gianni Infantino is going to remain the President of FIFA, but I don’t think it’s going to happen because of Donald Trump intervention or backing, I know Trump is supporting him to remain the President of FIFA, Trump wouldn’t be voting in the election, most of the European countries are against Infantino, and Trump have a more stronger relationship with this European Countries.

It doesn’t matter to me who will become the next FIFA president, but I feel Infantino would be elected President again.

I wouldn’t disagree with you about FIFA being corrupt when I heard about the selling of stake to a private company, I knew something is wrong and corruption might be having a play around FIFA, but we can’t jump into conclusions because we don’t have any evidence of corruption.

[tiCeR]

...

In fact, it has always been like this, UEFA is an association of the richest and most skilled federations, all the rest are just an addition (many are offended by this fact, eh). Incidentally, the last time this manifested itself was not so long ago - Infantino was promoting the idea of ​​an annual (or biennial?) Club World Cup, but in the end Europe had its say and FIFA got a slap in the face. And the new format of the Club World Cup is played the way they see it in Europe - once every four years.
By the way, I forgot about this clown show with the term counting. The first three years supposedly "don't count" because Blatter was suspended urgently. They have no shame whatsoever lol.

And I think this is an important counterbalance. I also believe that corruption is happening on both sides and ordinary people are on the sidelines, but good to know that two associations are fighting each other, with an outcome that could be good for us. Or let's say better for everyone, but not good. The UEFA should stand up and FIFA should not have the power to squeeze football to the utmost maximum.

What counts now is if there is a new president, all eyes should be watching him. Public pressure to do the right thing.

[Doan9269]

There are so many complaints about the just-concluded FIFA World Cup with President Trump's influence over some of their decisions, and this is why selecting a preferred candidate for the next president of FIFA will have to be on neutral ground that will not have a political backup or influence, I'm not the type that like much arguments on issues like this because what will be will definitely come to place, they have their standard they are going to use in making their selection, is just a coincidence that the world Cup also was hosted by the United States this time and that is why many feels the political impact as part of the influence to some of their decisions, we might be wrong anyway.

[Woodie]

Gianni Infantino might have made some bad calls of late during the worldcup, the reversal of that red card after rumours of Trump reaching out to his buddy to get it overturned, and now the selling of shares & commercialising of the competition which many are against..but all things considered and looking at his potential challengers.. am now feeling confident that the man isn't going anywhere! And going by the numbers game, he knows Africa is on his side, Asia, Middle east and that should be enough... it's only Europe that will give him a good run for his money.

[Cryptoprincess101]

I don't know why they are still putting Nasser Al-Khelaifi in the poll when he made it clear that he isn't willing to contest for that position despite that bookmakers gave him the odds to be the next successor of Infantino.

I think UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is likely to emerge as the next FIFA president since he has never been involved in any corruption scandal. The voting process will be done by FIFA congress, so they might vote a different candidate since most of these positions are politically influenced.

[retreat]

I went with Patrice Motsepe because it is time someone from Africa gets a real shot at the top job, not just a symbolic position. He's been running CAF, so he understands the politics and the challenges. The other candidates like Ceferin and Al-Khelaifi are the usual European picks. But Motsepe could bring a fresh perspective, especially with how football is growing in Africa. African teams are getting stronger and the continent has so much talent. Having someone from there at the top could help shift the focus and resources to where they're needed most.

I don't think that the CAF president can be elected in this election if he runs as a candidate. Even though you say that he understands politics and the current conditions of FIFA, there will still be people ahead, not only in terms of politics but also in terms of resources. Because winning a FIFA election is not only about understanding politics, but you also need resources to lobby many parties to smooth your path to becoming FIFA president. And also, from what I read, Patrice Motsepe has officially denied any intention to run for the South African presidency or lead FIFA, maybe he currently only wants to focus on his business and the CAF he leads.

[STT]

Gianni  is there till 2027 looks like, no doubt he has lost support but I don't think they can force him out for unpopularity.  He made a big mistake trying to strong arm change without consultation which is a slap in the face to so many people its impossible to recover from.   For the good of FIFA he should resign, I just don't think he will and Ive not read how they will force him out especially.
  I vote Wenger as he is most familiar but its not likely an easy job in any year with such variation of play around the world.

[Juicyhome]

Gianni  is there till 2027 looks like, no doubt he has lost support but I don't think they can force him out for unpopularity.  He made a big mistake trying to strong arm change without consultation which is a slap in the face to so many people its impossible to recover from.   For the good of FIFA he should resign, I just don't think he will and Ive not read how they will force him out especially.
  I vote Wenger as he is most familiar but its not likely an easy job in any year with such variation of play around the world.

Is Arsene Wenger contesting for Fifa president and do you have the right to vote? It'd not a general election where every football lovers vote, it's a delegates election croos the countries. Gianni infantino will not return and he knows it, he has lost trust and he's corrupt,  everyone was complaining about him in the world cup how he favour the Argentina team to the final.

For Uefa to pullout from Gianni infantino that's the end of his tenure as president of Fifa, if not tha Uefa stepped in he would have sold Fifa to private investors,  I'm happy the deal didn't go through,  Gianni infantino messed himself up, he should not bother campaign, he will lose the election.

[asriloni]

I don't know why they are still putting Nasser Al-Khelaifi in the poll when he made it clear that he isn't willing to contest for that position despite that bookmakers gave him the odds to be the next successor of Infantino.

I think UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is likely to emerge as the next FIFA president since he has never been involved in any corruption scandal. The voting process will be done by FIFA congress, so they might vote a different candidate since most of these positions are politically influenced.

The pool created even before Nasser Al-Khelaifi speaks it by himself if he would not contest the FIFA presidentcy. It's the reason Nasser Al-Khelaifi is not even getting removed from the pool, however, the odds for him to be the next FIFA president is significantly increased because his interview made it clear he won't join the competition.

Beside that i think Ceferin is not gonna leave from his position as UEFA president because this gives more benefit for him instead of becoming the next FIFA president. It seeems we may still stick to the Infantino to still remain as FIFA president for the next period

But we can also anticipate if there will be a surprised name to come.

[laijsica]

Gianni  is there till 2027 looks like, no doubt he has lost support but I don't think they can force him out for unpopularity.  He made a big mistake trying to strong arm change without consultation which is a slap in the face to so many people its impossible to recover from.   For the good of FIFA he should resign, I just don't think he will and Ive not read how they will force him out especially.
  I vote Wenger as he is most familiar but its not likely an easy job in any year with such variation of play around the world.

The biggest argument for staying until 2027 is that US President Donald Trump is on his side. This is a strength for him and it doesn't matter to him if all the countries of the world don't support him now.

If he was a sensible person, he would have resigned the day after FIFA backed out of the sale of the rights, at least he could have maintained his own dignity. Now new controversies are coming against him and Trump is openly supporting him. This means Infantino will serve his full term until 2027.

Several countries are no longer supporting him and are withdrawing from his side and things are now becoming complicated for him and there is a debate about his continued position.

[jeremypwr]

Even though he’s under fire, I still think Gianni Infantino will be the next FIFA president.
It doesn’t look like he’ll be out this year, so I think by next March, he’ll win another term.

[Swordsoffreedom]

I think UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is likely to emerge as the next FIFA president since he has never been involved in any corruption scandal. The voting process will be done by FIFA congress, so they might vote a different candidate since most of these positions are politically influenced.

Considering Ceferin as likely winner simply because he has never been involved in any corruption scandal then it is a bit risk, in my opinion. In addition to personal reputation, regional support, alliances and vote of 211 member association will matter in this election. UEFA is now putting pressure on Infantino yeah, but UEFA themselve are not yet entirely settled on a single challenger. So Ceferin may be strong name but I would not call him the clear favourite yet.

[Dogedegen]

Even though he’s under fire, I still think Gianni Infantino will be the next FIFA president.
It doesn’t look like he’ll be out this year, so I think by next March, he’ll win another term.

That is a very rare opinion, almost nobody believes that he will win again besides a minority of people. Can you put some arguments why you believe this will happen because I don't see how it could continue this way. He has accumulated a lot of unpopular and controversial decisions in a short amount of time and the public mostly does not like him. FIFA would risk it big if he gets another term, what would be the benefit of having him again as the president?

I think UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is likely to emerge as the next FIFA president since he has never been involved in any corruption scandal. The voting process will be done by FIFA congress, so they might vote a different candidate since most of these positions are politically influenced.

Considering Ceferin as likely winner simply because he has never been involved in any corruption scandal then it is a bit risk, in my opinion. In addition to personal reputation, regional support, alliances and vote of 211 member association will matter in this election. UEFA is now putting pressure on Infantino yeah, but UEFA themselve are not yet entirely settled on a single challenger. So Ceferin may be strong name but I would not call him the clear favourite yet.

I don't think that the case of corruption is one of the primary criteria for a selection like this, because it does not make sense to me. If you have a person who has been shown not to be a good leader in other things that he has managed or led, but he was never involved in any corruption then why would they pick this person? The goal should be a balance of ethics and leadership skills, we can't demand perfection from both. So someone who was not involved in any corruption has some advantage, but they need to have very good leadership skills to have a chance to win this otherwise FIFA will get even more mistakes.

[sompitonov]

I even checked the prediction markets and decided to check the current odds that Infantino will be gone by the end of 2026. The odds are 17%, though there were several spikes to 50% during the World Cup. Apparently, those betting on this have calmed down a bit, but many fans and bettors understand that he won't last very long, as any public appearance of his provokes outrage. Of course, with the help of his connections and resources, he could still hold on for a while, but I certainly wouldn't predict it will be too long.

[danadc]

I even checked the prediction markets and decided to check the current odds that Infantino will be gone by the end of 2026. The odds are 17%, though there were several spikes to 50% during the World Cup. Apparently, those betting on this have calmed down a bit, but many fans and bettors understand that he won't last very long, as any public appearance of his provokes outrage. Of course, with the help of his connections and resources, he could still hold on for a while, but I certainly wouldn't predict it will be too long.

I'm not sure how reliable these statistics are. Do you think they can be considered reliable? Polymarket has a fair amount of acceptance, but I don't know to what extent. I don't think Infantino is going to win, given everything he's done.

This president's reputation is in the gutter; almost nobody likes him, and his management style is unacceptable. Ultimately, that has a significant impact. I believe any new president should be subject to numerous audits of their management, especially regarding resources.