A leaked document has revealed that Gianni Infantino held secret talks to get FIFA involved in the failed European Super League project in 2021, according to The Guardian. The document suggests FIFA and Infantino were not just aware of the plans but wanted a central role in the breakaway league.
FIFA's Proposed Involvement
The Guardian reports that Infantino held talks about branding the European Super League as the 'FIFA Super League'. A 'term sheet' for the league was created in October 2020, proposing a 12-year partnership where FIFA would run the commercial operation. Infantino reportedly wanted a 'golden share' in the breakaway, and there were plans to tie FIFA's Club World Cup to the Super League.
Like the recent private investment scheme, FIFA's federations were not consulted in the early stages of the plan. This revelation comes as Infantino faces growing pressure over his attempts to cling onto power as FIFA president, following the humiliating U-turn over his plans to sell stakes in tournaments like the World Cup.
Backlash and Collapse
The European Super League sparked a huge backlash in 2021 and collapsed within days of becoming public knowledge. The 12 clubs involved were forced into an embarrassing climbdown after fan protests. All six Premier League 'Big Six' clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool – pulled out quickly, followed by Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona and Real Madrid held on longer before quietly backing out in 2025 and 2026 respectively. A company called A22 Sports Management is still pursuing the idea through the courts, but it has largely been consigned to the history books until now.
FIFA's Response
In response to the article, a FIFA spokesperson replied on X, quoting Infantino's address to the 45th Ordinary UEFA Congress in Montreux, Switzerland in April 2021: "At FIFA, we can only strongly disapprove the creation of a super league which is a closed shop, which is a breakaway from the current institutions, from the leagues, from the associations, from UEFA and from FIFA, which is outside of the system. There is no doubt whatsoever of FIFA’s disapproval for this."
Those words came after it was clear the European Super League was doomed to fail. Meanwhile, Infantino has gone on the offensive to secure his position at the head of FIFA, where he has sat for 10 years. After a meeting in Morocco, he issued a letter with FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom, stating: "With the project withdrawn, FIFA will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its name and reputation."
