Who Will Be the Next FIFA President?

[alegotardo]

For sure, Gianni Infantino has "lost quite a few points" at FIFA, but unfortunately he has a very strong electoral base in FIFA, so I believe that even with the recent events about his attempt to bring private capital into the commercial rights of the World Cup, it will be very difficult to "bring him down" he from this position.

I think Infantino would only really be in risk to losing if a very competitive candidate managed to unite Europe, part of the Americas and dissenters from Asia (this last is difficult)... then perhaps they could prevent his re-election and turn the next election into a real contest for this position.

Who could it be? I can only think in Victor Montagliani. I do not think anyone else has better chances than him... he is someone who was directly involved in the preparation for the 2026 World Cup, has significant political influence within CONCACAF and is the person who could build a bridge of trust between the confederations.

[OsaiEmma]

It looks like Gianni Infantino's grip on FIFA is finally starting to slip, I wanted to start a thread to see what everyone thinks about who might be stepping up to take over the role next.

After everything that has gone down recently regarding FIFA's plan to sell off a 20% commercial stake in future World Cups to private equity investors for $20 billion, Infantino is facing unprecedented backlash. Offering $20 million bribes to individual federations backfired

His intentions are ambitious and in a positive way if you ask me. He is simply looking for ways to increase the financial status of the organization. I was reading the article in Latimes and I think this statement tried to explain why they gave him the red light on the project:

Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place,” the statement continued. “Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.

This statement was issued by FIFA body to Infantino. I believe the rejection and withdrawal of backing was triggered from his promise of issuing $20 Million to countries in support, and the rest will receive a fraction. This probably rubbed the FIFA body the wrong way, and they pushed back on his proposal.

I think his intentions were good - at least to FIFA - but his approach was flawed.


I see so many people criticizing Infantino and talking about political corruption in FIFA. Yeah, Infantino took the wrong route in trying to achieve a grand ambition by trying to create division with luxurious promises for support - that sounds like bribery - but the response of FIFA to such a preposition is far from politics and corruption. I don't outright condemn Infantino for this action - It's a case of the greater good - what I actually do condemn is the means he used - He thought the end justifies the means. And I commend FIFA on the stance they took.

[Rhow]

His flaws started during this world cup. First one was the red card issue with Balogun, in which people were now thinking that Infatino is being controlled by the US government. Then what now made it obvious was the idea of selling 20% stake to the American investor or company. I already knew that with the level of political and financial backing from the  US government, it will be very hard for him to be removed. It's not even surprising that his opponents withdrew from the race. He is already pitching the idea of expanding the world cup to 64 teams by 2030, it's good but it will reduce the quality of the competition.

We criticize FIFA or Infantino's decision on the Balogun red card issue. Because at the time, the incident happened in such a way that we assumed that it could be directly linked to US government control. But unfortunately, there is no clear evidence for that. But we all know the political discussions that take place regarding the decision of the FIFA president. In my opinion, until FIFA, UEFA or any other official source provides any evidence that proves Infantino is directly under US government control, we can criticize it as mere speculation. Although many people fully believe it.

[BitBakerr1]

His flaws started during this world cup. First one was the red card issue with Balogun, in which people were now thinking that Infatino is being controlled by the US government. Then what now made it obvious was the idea of selling 20% stake to the American investor or company. I already knew that with the level of political and financial backing from the  US government, it will be very hard for him to be removed. It's not even surprising that his opponents withdrew from the race. He is already pitching the idea of expanding the world cup to 64 teams by 2030, it's good but it will reduce the quality of the competition.

We criticize FIFA or Infantino's decision on the Balogun red card issue. Because at the time, the incident happened in such a way that we assumed that it could be directly linked to US government control. But unfortunately, there is no clear evidence for that. But we all know the political discussions that take place regarding the decision of the FIFA president. In my opinion, until FIFA, UEFA or any other official source provides any evidence that proves Infantino is directly under US government control, we can criticize it as mere speculation. Although many people fully believe it.

Since you are waiting for evidence before you believe that he is under the control of the US government, I want to ask you a question and I want you to answer it with honesty. What is the rule that is involved when a person gets a red card in a football match?
If you can answer this question correctly, then you will know if the US government is actually controlling the FIFA president or not.

Some things are very clear to us, but we still decide to defend by asking for evidence. Meanwhile, the evidence is looking at you. What other evidence do you need.

[danadc]

Since you are waiting for evidence before you believe that he is under the control of the US government, I want to ask you a question and I want you to answer it with honesty. What is the rule that is involved when a person gets a red card in a football match?
If you can answer this question correctly, then you will know if the US government is actually controlling the FIFA president or not.

Some things are very clear to us, but we still decide to defend by asking for evidence. Meanwhile, the evidence is looking at you. What other evidence do you need.

Everything would have been different if FIFA had stated that all red cards would not result in a suspension from the corresponding matches. The problem was that it was only applied to one player, which is already seen as the biggest cheat in the world. This is what shouldn't be normalized; if it becomes normalized, it's unfair to all teams. They really did a bad job; they should have changed that rule so it wouldn't have looked so bad.

[sompitonov]

Everything would have been different if FIFA had stated that all red cards would not result in a suspension from the corresponding matches. The problem was that it was only applied to one player, which is already seen as the biggest cheat in the world. This is what shouldn't be normalized; if it becomes normalized, it's unfair to all teams. They really did a bad job; they should have changed that rule so it wouldn't have looked so bad.

My first thought when I learned that this player was being forgiven for his red card was shock. This had never happened in the history of football, and yet here were two guys who decided they could control the fate of players and imagined themselves omnipotent. What outraged me most was that they thought no one would notice, even though fans all over the world remembered it forever, and it would go down in football history as a shameful moment. If I were in Infantino's shoes, I wouldn't be able to overcome my composure and do it; I simply wouldn't forgive myself for such things, but he did, and therefore, in my opinion, he is currently unworthy of leading FIFA as an organization.

[Awaklara]

Since you are waiting for evidence before you believe that he is under the control of the US government, I want to ask you a question and I want you to answer it with honesty. What is the rule that is involved when a person gets a red card in a football match?
If you can answer this question correctly, then you will know if the US government is actually controlling the FIFA president or not.

Some things are very clear to us, but we still decide to defend by asking for evidence. Meanwhile, the evidence is looking at you. What other evidence do you need.

These facts should be taken into consideration when assessing his performance during his tenure as FIFA president. However, this is also related to the politics carried out by each federation. Some will continue to support him, but others will side with other candidates.

The way Infantino builds relationships with many important figures is very interesting. It will require more effort from his competitors to seize the FIFA President seat.

[el che]

For sure, Gianni Infantino has "lost quite a few points" at FIFA, but unfortunately he has a very strong electoral base in FIFA, so I believe that even with the recent events about his attempt to bring private capital into the commercial rights of the World Cup, it will be very difficult to "bring him down" he from this position.

I think Infantino would only really be in risk to losing if a very competitive candidate managed to unite Europe, part of the Americas and dissenters from Asia (this last is difficult)... then perhaps they could prevent his re-election and turn the next election into a real contest for this position.

Who could it be? I can only think in Victor Montagliani. I do not think anyone else has better chances than him... he is someone who was directly involved in the preparation for the 2026 World Cup, has significant political influence within CONCACAF and is the person who could build a bridge of trust between the confederations.

Infantino’s grip on power relies entirely on the smaller member associations and he keeps them loyal. Montagliani is probably the most logical choice to bridge UEFA and the Americas, but unless a major challenger can pool enough votes from Asia and Africa, Infantino will easily coast to another term. Until someone cuts into his core voter base nobody is bringing him down.

[SuperBitMan]

The way Infantino builds relationships with many important figures is very interesting. It will require more effort from his competitors to seize the FIFA President seat.

You are actually right. He has a lot of connections, especially the United States president I’m sure he’s backing him to go back as the FIFA president, so it would be very difficult for those that are contesting with him to win him. However, it will depend on how the election is been done.

One thing I believe is that the United State usually have some level of control when it comes to FIFA because they are one of the major sponsors.
I also believe they will have some power when it comes to electing a new president.

[Bryan jessy]

The way Infantino builds relationships with many important figures is very interesting. It will require more effort from his competitors to seize the FIFA President seat.

You are actually right. He has a lot of connections, especially the United States president I’m sure he’s backing him to go back as the FIFA president, so it would be very difficult for those that are contesting with him to win him. However, it will depend on how the election is been done.

One thing I believe is that the United State usually have some level of control when it comes to FIFA because they are one of the major sponsors.
I also believe they will have some power when it comes to electing a new president.

Another good strategy to going back to power, this is politics so anything is possible so far a candidate has the funds and people with power and influence to support him, this is like once a president remains a president till they are ready to finally decided to handover power to the next candidate, something happened in my country during presidential election few years ago like this, there was left two most qualified candidates but one has more votes than the other one but the candidate with the highest numbers of votes didn't have much funds and people with power but the other one with lower votes has funds and people in power so he was able to manipulate the election and work his his way to the sit with the help of those influential people, so it's not possible to predict the winner but maybe we just try our lucky and bet on whoever the spirit leads us to pick.

[danadc]

My first thought when I learned that this player was being forgiven for his red card was shock. This had never happened in the history of football, and yet here were two guys who decided they could control the fate of players and imagined themselves omnipotent. What outraged me most was that they thought no one would notice, even though fans all over the world remembered it forever, and it would go down in football history as a shameful moment. If I were in Infantino's shoes, I wouldn't be able to overcome my composure and do it; I simply wouldn't forgive myself for such things, but he did, and therefore, in my opinion, he is currently unworthy of leading FIFA as an organization.

That's right, that's something that shouldn't be accepted. It's not right that it happens again. What kind of example is FIFA setting? Showing favoritism. That means many teams face a difficult path while those favored by FIFA have an easier one and have sanctions lifted, just because FIFA likes them.

Infantino must resign. He must realize he made a grave mistake. FIFA is no longer seen as the impeccable organization it once was. FIFA has always been involved in shady dealings and corruption, but this time they've gone too far.

[Daniel91]

My first thought when I learned that this player was being forgiven for his red card was shock. This had never happened in the history of football, and yet here were two guys who decided they could control the fate of players and imagined themselves omnipotent. What outraged me most was that they thought no one would notice, even though fans all over the world remembered it forever, and it would go down in football history as a shameful moment. If I were in Infantino's shoes, I wouldn't be able to overcome my composure and do it; I simply wouldn't forgive myself for such things, but he did, and therefore, in my opinion, he is currently unworthy of leading FIFA as an organization.

That's right, that's something that shouldn't be accepted. It's not right that it happens again. What kind of example is FIFA setting? Showing favoritism. That means many teams face a difficult path while those favored by FIFA have an easier one and have sanctions lifted, just because FIFA likes them.

Infantino must resign. He must realize he made a grave mistake. FIFA is no longer seen as the impeccable organization it once was. FIFA has always been involved in shady dealings and corruption, but this time they've gone too far.

I think that Infantino has become a politician and businessman first and foremost and that he actually thinks that Trump, as the US president and the most powerful man in the world, can help him win a new term at the head of FIFA.
His decision, after Trump did not win the Nobel Peace Prize, to invent a new FIFA Peace Prize and award it to President Trump, without any clear criteria or independent decision-making process, was the pinnacle of Infantino's fawning over the most powerful politicians and people in the world.
Also, with those stupid hydration breaks (and actually giving extra time for sponsor advertising during the matches) and extending the break to as much as 30 minutes at halftime of the final match between Spain and Argentina, he turned the World Cup into an entertainment show.
Ticket prices have skyrocketed, as have the costs of food and drinks at the stadium, transportation to the stadium, etc., so it is becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary fans to watch live football matches, and instead of fans, sponsors are getting the tickets.
In the end, the very idea of ​​commercializing the world football championship and selling commercial rights is shameful and sad, a betrayal of football.
However, it seems that Infantino managed to get the support of African countries for a new mandate by promising that the final of the 2030 World Cup will be held in Africa, and it seems that he also has the informal support of South America and part of Asia, so it will be very difficult to defeat him in the elections for the new FIFA president.
Maybe if the European, North American and Asian federations agree on a common candidate otherwise Infantino will win again.

[Rhow]

His flaws started during this world cup. First one was the red card issue with Balogun, in which people were now thinking that Infatino is being controlled by the US government. Then what now made it obvious was the idea of selling 20% stake to the American investor or company. I already knew that with the level of political and financial backing from the  US government, it will be very hard for him to be removed. It's not even surprising that his opponents withdrew from the race. He is already pitching the idea of expanding the world cup to 64 teams by 2030, it's good but it will reduce the quality of the competition.

We criticize FIFA or Infantino's decision on the Balogun red card issue. Because at the time, the incident happened in such a way that we assumed that it could be directly linked to US government control. But unfortunately, there is no clear evidence for that. But we all know the political discussions that take place regarding the decision of the FIFA president. In my opinion, until FIFA, UEFA or any other official source provides any evidence that proves Infantino is directly under US government control, we can criticize it as mere speculation. Although many people fully believe it.

Since you are waiting for evidence before you believe that he is under the control of the US government, I want to ask you a question and I want you to answer it with honesty. What is the rule that is involved when a person gets a red card in a football match?
If you can answer this question correctly, then you will know if the US government is actually controlling the FIFA president or not.

Some things are very clear to us, but we still decide to defend by asking for evidence. Meanwhile, the evidence is looking at you. What other evidence do you need.

Reading your words, I feel as if I am taking the side of the US government. But in reality, I am not on the side of the US government. Rather, I am just expressing my opinion impartially. It is natural for FIFA to be criticized for political reasons or for their integrity. But one cannot directly conclude from a referee decision or disciplinary decision that the FIFA President is under the control of a country's government. However, I agree with you that some of FIFA's activities seem to indicate that FIFA is really being controlled.

[Alonso_]

The way Infantino builds relationships with many important figures is very interesting. It will require more effort from his competitors to seize the FIFA President seat.

You are actually right. He has a lot of connections, especially the United States president I’m sure he’s backing him to go back as the FIFA president, so it would be very difficult for those that are contesting with him to win him. However, it will depend on how the election is been done.

One thing I believe is that the United State usually have some level of control when it comes to FIFA because they are one of the major sponsors.
I also believe they will have some power when it comes to electing a new president.

Yes it’s true that he is going to have a strong backing from the Donald Trump, and I think the United States and Donald Trump put him in that mess, it’s all started when the Red card of Balogun was reversed and Donald Trump called it a grate injustice, that action was an absolute disaster, he also went and decided to sell shares from private companies, which I still think it’s connected to Donald Trump.

I don’t think Donald Trump have any power in FIFA to save Infantino or helping him to win the next election, UEFA is the strongest and biggest body under FIFA, and from information we are hearing, they’re calling for his resignation, that means they’re not supporting him, so I believe it’s going to be a difficult election for Infantino.

[cxtreenal]

Since you are waiting for evidence before you believe that he is under the control of the US government, I want to ask you a question and I want you to answer it with honesty. What is the rule that is involved when a person gets a red card in a football match?
If you can answer this question correctly, then you will know if the US government is actually controlling the FIFA president or not.

Some things are very clear to us, but we still decide to defend by asking for evidence. Meanwhile, the evidence is looking at you. What other evidence do you need.

Everything would have been different if FIFA had stated that all red cards would not result in a suspension from the corresponding matches. The problem was that it was only applied to one player, which is already seen as the biggest cheat in the world. This is what shouldn't be normalized; if it becomes normalized, it's unfair to all teams. They really did a bad job; they should have changed that rule so it wouldn't have looked so bad.

At the request of the US President, Gianni Infantino relaxed the red card issue using his special powers. It is certainly unfair but when the head of government of a powerful country in the world and the host country makes such an unfair request, no one should ignore that request. It was an unfair issue but almost everyone knows about the next issue, at whose instigation Infantino decided to sell part of the rights of FIFA. There has already been a lot of criticism about these issues but at the end of the day, despite the deception of the influential, we show many arguments to show unfair things as fair, which in reality are unfair.

[danadc]

I think that Infantino has become a politician and businessman first and foremost and that he actually thinks that Trump, as the US president and the most powerful man in the world, can help him win a new term at the head of FIFA.
His decision, after Trump did not win the Nobel Peace Prize, to invent a new FIFA Peace Prize and award it to President Trump, without any clear criteria or independent decision-making process, was the pinnacle of Infantino's fawning over the most powerful politicians and people in the world.
Also, with those stupid hydration breaks (and actually giving extra time for sponsor advertising during the matches) and extending the break to as much as 30 minutes at halftime of the final match between Spain and Argentina, he turned the World Cup into an entertainment show.
Ticket prices have skyrocketed, as have the costs of food and drinks at the stadium, transportation to the stadium, etc., so it is becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary fans to watch live football matches, and instead of fans, sponsors are getting the tickets.
In the end, the very idea of ​​commercializing the world football championship and selling commercial rights is shameful and sad, a betrayal of football.
However, it seems that Infantino managed to get the support of African countries for a new mandate by promising that the final of the 2030 World Cup will be held in Africa, and it seems that he also has the informal support of South America and part of Asia, so it will be very difficult to defeat him in the elections for the new FIFA president.
Maybe if the European, North American and Asian federations agree on a common candidate otherwise Infantino will win again.

It's true, everything you say encompasses Infantino's bad actions. It's very unfortunate that some South American confederations support him. Well, Argentina obviously sees him as their godfather, but I think the support is due to the fact that many more countries will be included in the next World Cup without qualifiers. That's not very appealing, but it gives opportunities to other countries that have never been to a World Cup.

[Daniel91]

I think that Infantino has become a politician and businessman first and foremost and that he actually thinks that Trump, as the US president and the most powerful man in the world, can help him win a new term at the head of FIFA.
His decision, after Trump did not win the Nobel Peace Prize, to invent a new FIFA Peace Prize and award it to President Trump, without any clear criteria or independent decision-making process, was the pinnacle of Infantino's fawning over the most powerful politicians and people in the world.
Also, with those stupid hydration breaks (and actually giving extra time for sponsor advertising during the matches) and extending the break to as much as 30 minutes at halftime of the final match between Spain and Argentina, he turned the World Cup into an entertainment show.
Ticket prices have skyrocketed, as have the costs of food and drinks at the stadium, transportation to the stadium, etc., so it is becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary fans to watch live football matches, and instead of fans, sponsors are getting the tickets.
In the end, the very idea of ​​commercializing the world football championship and selling commercial rights is shameful and sad, a betrayal of football.
However, it seems that Infantino managed to get the support of African countries for a new mandate by promising that the final of the 2030 World Cup will be held in Africa, and it seems that he also has the informal support of South America and part of Asia, so it will be very difficult to defeat him in the elections for the new FIFA president.
Maybe if the European, North American and Asian federations agree on a common candidate otherwise Infantino will win again.

It's true, everything you say encompasses Infantino's bad actions. It's very unfortunate that some South American confederations support him. Well, Argentina obviously sees him as their godfather, but I think the support is due to the fact that many more countries will be included in the next World Cup without qualifiers. That's not very appealing, but it gives opportunities to other countries that have never been to a World Cup.

Yes, that is one of Infantino's best strategies for the new term of FIFA president.
Simply promise everyone everything they want and you can be sure that you will gather enough support for a new election.
The idea of ​​64 national teams participating in the World Cup does not actually contribute to the development of football, but to gaining more support for one man to get a new mandate, which is shameful and sad.
Is the ultimate goal for all countries in the world to participate in the World Cup in football?
If that would guarantee him victory in the elections, I believe that Infantino would be ready to do that too.
The best national teams in the world should participate in the World Cup, not all, and FIFA should be led by someone who cares about the development of football and not just about profit and personal gain.

[SPIDERMAN008]

Everything would have been different if FIFA had stated that all red cards would not result in a suspension from the corresponding matches. The problem was that it was only applied to one player, which is already seen as the biggest cheat in the world. This is what shouldn't be normalized; if it becomes normalized, it's unfair to all teams. They really did a bad job; they should have changed that rule so it wouldn't have looked so bad.

My first thought when I learned that this player was being forgiven for his red card was shock. This had never happened in the history of football, and yet here were two guys who decided they could control the fate of players and imagined themselves omnipotent. What outraged me most was that they thought no one would notice, even though fans all over the world remembered it forever, and it would go down in football history as a shameful moment. If I were in Infantino's shoes, I wouldn't be able to overcome my composure and do it; I simply wouldn't forgive myself for such things, but he did, and therefore, in my opinion, he is currently unworthy of leading FIFA as an organization.

Infantino could have left the matter to the policy makers of FIFA, instead of making such a decision alone. They could have directly informed Trump that it is not applicable according to the rules and that if such a decision is made, it will be criticized negatively, and the decision cannot be reduced or canceled. Then such a big negative issue would not have been created with FIFA. Basically, since that incident, people have created so much anger and hatred towards Infantino. I myself do not think that such a decision has ever been changed, only by abusing power.

Here, not only the red card has been forgiven, but the whole world has been made to understand that if you have power, you can change anything. You can make your own rules. And only powerful people or communities benefit from it. People's trust in FIFA has been greatly reduced by many incidents in this World Cup. If such issues continue to occur in the future, transparency will be further reduced.

[danadc]

At the request of the US President, Gianni Infantino relaxed the red card issue using his special powers. It is certainly unfair but when the head of government of a powerful country in the world and the host country makes such an unfair request, no one should ignore that request. It was an unfair issue but almost everyone knows about the next issue, at whose instigation Infantino decided to sell part of the rights of FIFA. There has already been a lot of criticism about these issues but at the end of the day, despite the deception of the influential, we show many arguments to show unfair things as fair, which in reality are unfair.

If it should be ignored, it should be ignored because FIFA doesn't belong to any one nation, much less to any president, no matter how powerful. Obviously, personal interests are involved. Infantino needs support, favors, etc., from the USA and Donald Trump. It's a fact that he'll have to pay for it at some point, and what better time than by re-electing him as FIFA president?

Everything points to him having strong backing, which paves the way for the impressive corruption that exists in football these days.

[Finebone]

It's true, everything you say encompasses Infantino's bad actions. It's very unfortunate that some South American confederations support him. Well, Argentina obviously sees him as their godfather, but I think the support is due to the fact that many more countries will be included in the next World Cup without qualifiers. That's not very appealing, but it gives opportunities to other countries that have never been to a World Cup.

I don't think that it's a bad idea if more nations and even those that hasn't been to the world cup before have an opportunity to appear at the world biggest football stage, that's not a problem, and it's not the reason why he lost the support of the european nations. The main reason they are calling him corrupt and trying to push him out of office in this coming election is his decision to overturn the red card and the suspension balogun got in the world cup because of the demand of president trump.

And the second thing he is trying to do is another reason they want to push him out of office, which is trying to sell some part of the world cup TV right to a private company own by president trump and his family, and he will still be having a share of earnings after he leaves office, so these are enough reasons why he should leave, it's not a matter of creating more unnecessary fixtures.