The future of FIFA President Gianni Infantino should be determined by an election, according to Patrice Motsepe, the head of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF). This statement comes as several football federations have withdrawn their support for Infantino following criticism over his proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
Infantino has faced a wave of criticism for his plan, which involved offering substantial incentives to member associations that backed the proposal. The governing bodies of European football (UEFA), North and Central America (CONCACAF), and Asia (AFC) collectively increased pressure on Infantino through a joint letter. This letter stated that “trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority.” These organisations are reportedly seeking Infantino’s resignation before he can pursue re-election next March.
Despite this, Motsepe, who also serves as a FIFA vice president, maintains that the decision regarding Infantino’s leadership should be made through the ballot box. “If anybody has got any problem against anybody, whether it’s Gianni, whether it is anybody else, follow the process, follow the FIFA process, simple as that,” Motsepe told a news outlet on Thursday. He further elaborated, “If you want to take him out, go for elections; let the 211 member associations decide. Do that and the vote will express whether they’ve got confidence in him or not.” Motsepe stressed the importance of allowing the electoral process to proceed, noting that elections are scheduled for next year.
Reactions to the Privatisation Proposal
The concept of privatising aspects of football, such as the World Cup, has sparked considerable debate within the sport. UEFA has explicitly stated that “none of us are the owners of football,” while the fan organisation Football Supporters Europe and players’ union FifPro Europe have advocated for the sport to remain publicly owned. This pushback has occurred even with public support for Infantino from figures like US President Donald Trump.
Sports organisations, particularly in team sports, often operate as monopolies, with fans typically supporting a single club or national team. This structure can limit alternatives for committed fans, potentially giving sports organisations considerable leeway. Unlike other industries such as electricity or transport, where monopolies are heavily regulated to protect consumers, sports often lack such oversight. This absence of regulation can create opportunities for privatisation, which has yielded varying results in different sports.
For instance, Liv Golf, a professional golf tour established in 2022, aimed to disrupt the global golf industry by offering higher payouts to players compared to existing organisations like the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. However, Liv Golf has reportedly encountered financial difficulties. In contrast, Formula One saw a revival in its finances and viewership after private equity involvement and a partnership with a streaming service. The lifting of previous restrictions on drivers’ social media use also contributed to increased sponsorships and visibility.
Concerns Over Governance and Transparency
The potential for privatisation can impact various aspects of sport, from ticket prices, which might limit access for some fans, to participation fees at grassroots levels. This has led to fan protests, such as those seen in Germany in 2024 following the announcement of private investment into the Bundesliga, and in the UK in 2021 when plans for a European Super League were proposed. Fans often view their clubs as community assets, while owners may prioritise returns on investment, creating a conflict between profit generation and community benefit.
The criticism surrounding Infantino’s proposal has continued despite his apology and acknowledgement that the process could have been handled differently. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) recently became the latest FIFA member to withdraw its support for Infantino. Following an FAI Board Meeting, the association rescinded an earlier letter of support, citing “significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation.” The English FA and Welsh FA had previously withdrawn their backing for the 56-year-old Swiss president. Conversely, six Arab federations, including Qatar, Morocco, and Egypt, publicly supported Infantino on Thursday morning.
Motsepe was in Salzburg for the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, where he held discussions with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin. UEFA has threatened to boycott the World Cup and Club World Cup in protest of Infantino’s plan. Motsepe stated that he is cautious about passing judgment on the various issues, emphasising that everyone has a right to be heard in a proper forum. He also noted that CAF had previously supported Infantino and claimed that the proposals for the World Cup sell-off talks would be submitted to FIFA members for final approval, suggesting no breach of rules.
The debate over who truly owns sport – fans or funders – highlights the tension between commercial interests and the community aspect of football. The UK’s Football Governance Act 2025, for example, introduced an independent regulator to ensure the financial sustainability of clubs for the benefit of fans and local communities. However, organisations may resort to privatisation if they face financial difficulties. In FIFA‘s case, with substantial financial reserves, UEFA has questioned the necessity of selling stakes, asserting that “Some things are simply too important to sell.”
The controversy underscores ongoing discussions about governance and transparency within global football, with the next FIFA presidential election scheduled for March next year.
Source: aljazeera.com
