This 2026 World Cup has further damaged the image of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. While he advocates a World Cup that is ever more open to small nations, the Swiss have become for many a real threat to the good of football. During this World Cup, FIFA and its boss had to face several controversies: a Somali referee appointed by the governing body was expelled even before the start of the tournament, Iran was forced to urgently set up its base camp in Mexico, the suspension of Folarin Balogun was lifted following a phone call from Donald Trump and the carbon footprint of the incessant movements of Infantino’s jet makes environmentalists pale. All this without forgetting the logistics of a head of state (police escorts, etc.) required by the Swiss during his travels in American cities.
You will have understood, Gianni Infantino is far from being a figure who brings together all football lovers. Which does not prevent the main person concerned from running for a fourth term. With his support in Africa and Asia, Infantino is even already announced as the big favorite for his own succession during the presidential elections of 2027. It is therefore difficult to see a leader being able to oppose the re-election of the Helvetian. Yet, talkSPORT ensures that Europe is working behind the scenes to dislodge Infantino from his throne.
UEFA no longer wants to see Infantino at the head of FIFA
The English media in fact assures that the president of UEFA, Aleksander Čeferin, would not be keen on the idea of becoming the next president of FIFA. The Slovenian would rather be inclined to seek a new mandate at the head of UEFA. On the other hand, several federations would push to see Nasser al-Khelaïfi go to the duel against Infantino. Legia Warsaw boss Dariusz Mioduski would be another option in case the Qatari decides not to feature. One thing is certain: the Europeans will have to be very convincing for NAK to accept such a mission.
President of Paris Saint-Germain since the arrival of QSI in France, al-Khelaïfi has managed to make a name for himself in the world of football despite his multiple hats (director of beIN Sportspresident of the Qatari tennis federation, president of PSG, president of QSI). Boss of the EFC (the association of European clubs) since 2021, NAK would necessarily be forced to leave certain functions if he runs for the presidency of FIFA. But for now, talkSPORT specifies that the boss of the Parisian double European champions does not make this position a priority. To be continued.
