Infantino's World Cup rights sale collapses, successors line up for 2027 FIFA vote

The privatization plan that backfired

Gianni Infantino proposed selling parts of the World Cup rights to private investors. The plan was met with immediate opposition from several confederations. Within days, he was forced to abandon it. On Saturday, he issued a statement acknowledging the divisions.

“After carefully listening to all viewpoints, it has become clear that the project has led to divisions which, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the originally intended goal.”

Infantino's weakened position

The failed sale has damaged Infantino's standing. He was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023, but now his future is in doubt. UEFA and Concacaf have questioned his continued leadership. Former FIFA reformer Mark Pieth said the UEFA cannot back down.

“There is no going back for UEFA. If it backs down now, it loses all credibility. Infantino is no longer tenable. He is only interested in his own financial interests.”

The contenders

Several names are being discussed as potential successors. Victor Montagliani, the Concacaf president, is seen as a leading candidate with broad support and ambition. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin could step in as a savior. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the PSG president and ECA chairman, has been approached but denies interest. Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, who lost to Infantino in 2016, called the sale plan "inacceptable". Arsène Wenger, the former Arsenal coach now at FIFA, is a surprise hope for credibility. Lise Klaveness, the Norwegian federation president, is a reform voice but lacks backing from non-European confederations. FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafström, a close Infantino ally, is also reportedly eyeing the top job.

The road to March 2027

The next FIFA presidential election is at the 77th Congress in March 2027. Candidates must be nominated by November 18, 2026. No official challenger has yet emerged, but the confederations are actively searching. The FIFA electoral system makes it difficult to unseat an incumbent, but Infantino's authority has been shaken.