The crisis engulfing Fifa and its president Gianni Infantino is moving so fast that new elements are emerging even as this is written. The relentless statements from senior figures suggest the pressure on Infantino is mounting, and the saga may ultimately be framed as one man versus integrity.
Infantino summoned his senior leaders to Morocco for a crisis meeting on Wednesday. Information from various Fifa-associated personnel this week indicates that many see the crisis as his alone. A huge number of federations have yet to speak, but the president's hold on power appears increasingly shaky.
Jordan FA chief alleges blackmail
The president of the Jordanian FA, Ali Al Hussein, explained on Tuesday how his team's debut in the 2026 World Cup led to punitive fees, difficulties getting fans into the US (for which they received no Fifa support), and little exposure to the largess of which Fifa 'brags'. Worse, Jordan is still waiting on prize money from the Fifa Arab Cup in December, and Al Hussein said he was told his FA would be helped out if he endorsed Infantino. He concluded on X: 'The whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that.'
When pushback against the Fifa sell-off plot began, there was concern that Infantino might paint the episode as the haves of Europe versus the have-nots elsewhere. But as important figures like Al Hussein share specific issues, the pendulum swings back to a question of absolute morality. It can be true that Europe has a disproportionate level of football power and heritage, but there are also red lines that an Infantino-led Fifa has crossed here. Europe being the first and most vociferous in rejection does not mean Infantino's behaviour – trying to sell a stake in the World Cup for cheap – is not objectively offensive.
Will Infantino go?
From the UK it may seem that wholesale change is inevitable. But 11 years ago it took seven arrests of top Fifa officials for Sepp Blatter to step down, with the line: 'My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody.' Infantino has wriggled away from accepting responsibility, instead calling on old friends to back him. That none of the 'Fifa Legends' came out in his favour will surely have been a blow. But he may yet survive.
Even if he does not, Fifa must finally learn from this. The president's power must be curtailed. Many senior figures stood by and let him cultivate a fiefdom from the proceeds of the world's game. There must be a reckoning, including among his enablers, who need to look at themselves. People, sadly, who include Arsene Wenger, who finally spoke out on Tuesday against the Fifa plot. That it was said last time, when Sepp Blatter went, is a dreadful omen. This must never be allowed to happen again.
