Gianni Infantino avoids future FIFA questions amid row over failed World Cup plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino refused to shed any light on his future plans as he attended the opening match of the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on Saturday. Infantino was asked about his position amid continued scrutiny following the collapse of his controversial proposal to sell a stake in future FIFA World Cup profits.

Infantino was in the stands when hosts Poland faced Argentina on the opening day of the tournament. Asked by Sky News about his future, the FIFA president said there would be time to deal with the issue but insisted the focus should remain on football.

“There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say it. It’s not today, it’s not here, but here and today we’re enjoying football,” Infantino told Sky News.

He did not directly answer the question of whether he had considered resigning or whether he still planned to seek a fourth term in next year’s FIFA presidential election. Instead, Infantino pointed to the wider work of FIFA and its aim to expand football’s reach globally.

“At FIFA, of course, we continue to work to give every corner of the world a chance, an opportunity, a dignity, to find ways and means to become better, participate and celebrate the football we all love,” he said.

INFANTINO UNDER PRESSURE

Infantino has faced growing opposition since details emerged in July of a proposed US$20 billion FIFA subsidiary that would control commercial rights, including those linked to the World Cup. The plan involved investors led by a New York-based fund created by Joshua Kushner, with FIFA’s 211 member associations offering $20 million each.

The proposal was withdrawn within four days following opposition from several confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, as well as criticism from senior FIFA officials. European countries also threatened to boycott the Under-20 Women’s World Cup before FIFA gave assurances that the schedule would not be renewed.

However, the dispute was not over. FIFA filed a court document on Thursday accusing UEFA of waging a “smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership” as legal proceedings related to the abandoned proposal continue.

With FIFA’s presidential election scheduled for next year, Infanta’s refusal to clarify whether he will seek another term in office leaves his political future uncertain. For now, he indicated he would continue to focus on FIFA work rather than address questions about his position.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

06 Sep 2026 10:56 IST