Gianni Infantino fights on as FIFA president after leadership backing. So, what now?

Key Points:

• FIFA President Gianni Infantino has resisted calls to resign following revelations about his secret plan to sell stakes in FIFA’s business, instead securing a show of support from FIFA’s management board during a meeting in Morocco.
• Key FIFA officials, including General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom, publicly backed Infantino despite earlier criticisms, issuing an apology for mistakes but defending the president’s project as compliant with FIFA regulations.
• Infantino’s opponents, particularly within European football bodies UEFA and Concacaf, have withdrawn their endorsements and called for a thorough review of his presidency, signaling a deepening internal conflict.
• The scandal has drawn criticism from prominent figures such as former footballer Luis Figo and political leaders including UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who have expressed loss of confidence in Infantino.
• Despite widespread opposition, Infantino continues to receive support from several FIFA member associations, especially in Asia and parts of Africa, suggesting a contentious and prolonged battle over FIFA’s leadership ahead of the upcoming presidential elections.