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Gianni Infantino did what he does best a few days ago: send shockwaves through the soccer world.
The FIFA president unveiled plans for the global governing body to sell private equity stakes in the World Cup, offering FIFA's 211 member associations $40 million each in exchange for backing a proposal to bring private investment into its tournaments, covering both the men's and women's World Cups.
The idea triggered arguably the most intense backlash of Infantino's presidency. FIFA, which operates as a not-for-profit entity, drew widespread condemnation over its intentions to introduce private capital into its flagship competitions.
UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, responded by threatening to pull out of future World Cups should the proposal move forward. It subsequently issued a scathing statement declaring it had "lost confidence" in Infantino's leadership and labeling the plans as "shabby" and rooted in "secret schemes."
Predictably, the proposal was quickly abandoned.
Just days after unveiling the plan, Infantino confirmed it had been shelved, acknowledging that the project had caused divisions that were "no longer in the interest" of its original purpose.
The Swiss administrator likely hoped that dropping the idea would allow the storm to pass and let him return to business as usual at FIFA. Instead, he now finds himself increasingly isolated at the helm of an organization he had intended to lead for another four-and-a-half years, with his grip on power suddenly looking fragile.
So what comes next? Is it time for Infantino to resign, or could he be pushed out?
Will Gianni Infantino Step Down As FIFA President?
If the question is whether Infantino will resign as FIFA president following his botched World Cup investment proposal, the honest answer is that no one can say for certain—but the probability is likely no.
This is far from the first major scandal Infantino has weathered during his tenure, and on each occasion he has managed to hold onto his position.
In 2018, he walked away from a $25 billion private investment deal involving FIFA tournaments after encountering fierce resistance, particularly from UEFA. He also endured heavy criticism over his defense of Qatar as host of the 2022 World Cup and the controversy surrounding the treatment of migrant workers, as well as FIFA's decision to hand the 2034 tournament to Saudi Arabia following a widely condemned bidding process.
Infantino has also drawn criticism for his decision to present the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize—a newly created award designed to honor individuals who bring soccer communities together—to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Through every controversy, Infantino has remained steadfast in his belief that he is the right person to lead world soccer's governing body. If given the option, he would almost certainly feel the same way now.
However, whether that option remains his to take may no longer be entirely within his control.
Will Gianni Infantino Be Forced Out of FIFA?
While Infantino may not choose to exit FIFA on his own terms, the prospect of him being removed from office is becoming an increasingly real possibility.
According to reports from Sky News, efforts to challenge his position are already gaining traction, particularly among figures within European soccer who remain incensed over his failed bid to introduce private investment into the World Cup.
One potential avenue would be for UEFA to push FIFA toward an emergency congress and a vote of no confidence. Such a motion would require the backing of 20% of FIFA's 211 member associations—equating to 43 federations—while UEFA alone accounts for 55.
Another route would be for opposition factions to rally behind a rival candidate to challenge Infantino in next year's presidential election, where the Swiss administrator had been widely expected to seek a further four-year term.
Such a fall from grace would mark a dramatic reversal for a president who has presided over record-breaking World Cups and significantly grown FIFA's financial clout, yet whose time in office has been repeatedly overshadowed by controversy.
Ben Jacobs has also reported that UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is actively urging federations that previously supported Infantino to withdraw their backing, while names such as Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi have been floated as potential successors.
Behind closed doors, conversations are already underway about what a potential leadership transition might look like, with FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström reportedly among those who could play a role in managing a handover should Infantino's reign come to a sudden end.
After nearly a decade at the top, the question may no longer be whether Infantino can weather the latest storm—but how much longer he can cling to power.