Infantino could pull off ‘houdini’ act as FIFA critics struggle to find rival

FIFA president Gianni Infantino could overcome mounting criticism and secure another term in office as opposition groups struggle to find a strong challenger ahead of next March’s election, football governance observers have told AFP.

The 56-year-old Swiss official has faced growing opposition since unveiling and then quickly shelving a controversial proposal to introduce private investment into the World Cup business. Despite losing support among several football associations, Infantino retains crucial backing in Africa and South America, potentially strengthening his chances of re-election.

His proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, which emerged in July following the successful World Cup, would have established a commercial subsidiary to manage FIFA’s biggest events, including the global tournament.

The proposal triggered concerns about transparency and governance, but Infantino’s opponents have yet to unite behind a credible candidate capable of challenging his leadership.

Candidates must declare their intentions by November 18, leaving the opposition with limited time to organise an effective campaign.

Terrence Burns, a marketing strategist involved in two successful World Cup hosting bids, believes Infantino remains firmly positioned to win.

“He holds all the cards and always has,” Burns told AFP, suggesting that potential challengers could struggle to mount a serious campaign.

Former International Olympic Committee marketing chief Michael Payne described the absence of a credible rival as surprising, warning that Infantino’s potential victory would demonstrate remarkable political survival.

“If he is re-elected, which is looking increasingly likely, it will redefine the term Houdini,” Payne told AFP.

Legal challenges threaten Infantino’s position

Despite his apparent advantage, Infantino is not entirely out of danger. His opponents have launched legal challenges in the United States and submitted formal complaints to FIFA committees.

Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness has emerged as a prominent critic but has ruled out entering the presidential race.

Klaveness and the Norwegian federation have raised concerns over three issues, including Infantino’s relationship with US President Donald Trump. The proposed FFE venture was expected to receive major investment from a firm associated with Josh Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Meanwhile, UEFA has launched legal proceedings in US courts seeking access to documents concerning the proposed enterprise. FIFA is strongly contesting the case.

Burns described the legal dispute as a significant vulnerability for Infantino, arguing that unanswered questions about the initiative’s details could keep transparency concerns alive.

Payne also warned that a lack of support from major football nations, including Spain, France and England, could deepen divisions within the organisation.

Opposition faces a difficult choice

Despite the controversy, Burns believes football associations may ultimately avoid a divisive contest unless substantial evidence emerges to justify removing Infantino.

He also suggested that financial considerations could influence whether federations support a change in leadership.

With no heavyweight challenger emerging, the opposition faces a difficult choice: unite behind a credible candidate or risk allowing Infantino to strengthen his grip on world football.

The coming weeks, particularly the November 18 candidate deadline, could prove decisive in determining whether the FIFA president faces a genuine election battle or secures another term largely unchallenged.