FIFA after Infantino: Plan to “scissor” the powers of the president
Aleksander Čeferin now seems determined to transform European discontent into an organized political attack. UEFA is not limited to public reactions.
The siege of Infantino: UEFA goes from warnings to a plan to overthrow. Salzburg did not only host the celebration of the European Super Cup this week. Behind the illuminated windows, the official receptions and the established photos of the powerful of football, a different game was being played. Without a ball, without stands, but with a stake much greater than a trophy: the future of Gianni Infantino at the top of FIFA.
Aleksander Čeferin now seems determined to transform European discontent into an organized political attack. UEFA is not limited to public reactions or the warnings of the previous days. He is seeking alliances, counting votes and considering institutional paths that could even lead to the removal of the FIFA president before the elections next March.
The Super Cup was the ideal setting for this behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Ceferin met with
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the powerful president of the EFC and Paris Saint-Germain, but the person who attracted perhaps the most interest was the African,
Patrice Motsepe.
The presence of the president of the African Confederation in Salzburg had a special symbolism. CAF has been one of Infantino’s most secure political bases for years. If this relationship begins to show cracks, then the entire arithmetic of the next day changes.
Motsepe was also in Austria to support Somali referee Omar Artan, but his contacts went far beyond the confines of a football match. The crisis of FIFA and the position of its president were inevitably on the table.
A solution much more effective than a general boycott is now gaining ground within UEFA: the institutional challenge to Infantino himself through a vote of no confidence.
To open this path, the support of 43 member associations is required to trigger an extraordinary vote. Ceferin is said to be ready to lead the effort if Infantino refuses to leave voluntarily. And this remains precisely the desired scenario for the European side: to leave before having to be led into a public and extremely painful survival showdown.
UEFA's stance no longer leaves much room for compromise. Either resign or withdraw the candidacy for the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat in March.
At the same time, the search for the next day begins. Two names are high in the discussions: the Canadian president of CONCACAF, Victor Montagliani, and the head of the AFC, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa. No one has yet received an official European anointment, as the balance remains extremely fragile.
There is certainly also Al-Khelaifi. His influence in European football has grown spectacularly and a possible candidacy of his could gather significant forces. He, however, was quick to lower expectations, stating that he is “very happy” with his current role.
The great battle, therefore, has not yet officially begun. But the armies are already taking positions.
And for the first time in perhaps years,
Gianni Infantino is not looking towards his next term from a position of absolute power. He is looking around to see how many of those who once stood by his side are actually still there.
Manos Staramopoulos
Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs
Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com
Athens (Greece).
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