Will the proposal to sell shares in the World Cup be the nail in the coffin for FIFA President Gianni Infantino?
In March, it is time for presidential elections, and Infantino is running for a third term. According to sources cited by Politico, the European associations want to see a new president. The news site reports that the first choice is Paris SG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi.
In addition to his role at PSG, the Qatari is also president of the European Club Union and the media group Bein.
However, a spokesperson for al-Khelaïfi says that the 52-year-old has no interest in taking over from Infantino.
He will continue to discreetly support all institutions of football in the world and Europe.
Criticism of Infantino has grown recently, with his close ties to US President Donald Trump and the new proposal to sell shares in the World Cup being a source of anger.
On Wednesday, FIFA also sent a letter to its member associations, stating broadly that the associations would receive nearly 200 million kronor if they vote yes to the World Cup proposal.
According to the European Football Association UEFA, criticism of the proposal is widespread and growing within the football movement.
"FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich itself and its friends," UEFA wrote in a statement on Wednesday.
