FIFA president Gianni Infantino is encountering increasing scrutiny from both internal and external sources following his recently abandoned initiative to invite private investment into the World Cup. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from notable figures in football, raising questions about Infantino's leadership and his chances for re-election.

Criticism from Within and Beyond

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who was appointed by Infantino as FIFA’s chief of global football development in 2019, stated that “the decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question.” His comments reflect a growing discontent within FIFA, as Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom also expressed his disapproval in an internal email, labeling the situation a “sad and reproachable series of events.” Grafstrom, previously considered an ally of Infantino, emphasized that while individuals and events may fluctuate, the institution's mission remains steadfast.

Legal Threats and Weakened Support

FIFA had initially proposed the investment plan last Tuesday, suggesting it could generate up to US$4.2 billion through a new commercial subsidiary, the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). However, by Saturday, the plan was abandoned after widespread backlash, including UEFA's threat to boycott all FIFA competitions, such as the World Cup. This backlash has not only undermined Infantino's authority but has also led to a significant reduction in support from various football associations, including Wales, Finland, Sweden, and Serbia, which have since retracted their letters of support.

As Infantino grapples with this mounting crisis, he is reportedly convening a crisis meeting with FIFA staff in Morocco in a bid to stabilize his presidency. The road ahead appears challenging, with his previously anticipated unopposed re-election in March now looking increasingly uncertain.