FIFA President Gianni InfantinoGETTY IMAGES
When Gianni Infantino was elected president of FIFA, "the European game’s leaders celebrated as one of their own took charge of the sport worldwide," according to Ahmed & Massoudi of the FINANCIAL TIMES. But since taking office two years ago, "he has proved his own man, launching an audacious challenge to his past European paymasters" that puts FIFA and UEFA on track for a "critical showdown." Infantino is leading a "radical plan to create two global tournaments." The concept "has faced vocal opposition" from UEFA, the "financial powerhouse of the game." The European body’s tournaments, including the Champions League, "considered the pinnacle of the club game," draw about €2.5B ($2.9B) in broadcasting and sponsorship revenues every year. Infantino is "eager for the issue to be resolved" by June 13, when FIFA's members will vote on the host of the 2026 World Cup, according to people close to Infantino. FIFA "insists all the money from the new competitions will be returned to confederations, national bodies and clubs." Yet some football administrators and execs said that Infantino "may also be motivated by a desire to secure a multibillion-dollar windfall" for FIFA members, made up of more than 200 national associations, "in the hope of securing his re-election as president next year." FIFA said that the tournament proposals "had no connection to its leadership election" (FT, 5/18).
