Opponents of Fifa president Gianni Infantino are collaborating on a new framework for running world football, aiming to replace what they see as a system of patronage adopted since he succeeded Sepp Blatter a decade ago. The move follows ignored calls from Uefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for an independent review of Fifa's governance, particularly after Infantino's plan to sell 21% of the World Cup was made public two weeks ago.
Rebels take matters into their own hands
A source with knowledge of the discussions told the Guardian that the three confederations are working on a policy document to demonstrate how the world governing body could evolve. Those involved are empowered to ask fundamental questions about Fifa's role, structure, and governance model. Financial distribution among member associations is also a key consideration, especially how to deploy funds from Fifa's estimated $5bn (£3.7bn) reserves.
If Infantino refuses to engage, the new framework could be adopted by a challenger in next year's presidential election or serve as a template for a breakaway organisation.
Potential boycotts and new competitions
After releasing a joint statement on Monday calling for "leadership that serves football, not seeks to command it", the three confederations have begun preliminary discussions about organising new competitions if the standoff persists. The Under-20 Women's World Cup next month could proceed without European teams, as Uefa maintains its members will boycott unless Fifa sets up an independent review and provides legally binding assurances against repeating the sell-off.
The Concacaf president, Victor Montagliani, is seen as the most likely presidential challenger to Infantino, though he has said his current focus is reelection as president of the North and Central American confederation next year. The joint statement echoed Montagliani's speech at the Fifa congress in Vancouver, where he said: "Let me be frank, leadership is not about power."
Meetings in Salzburg
Senior European football figures are gathering in Salzburg, where the Uefa Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa takes place on Wednesday, for meetings over the next two days. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin will hold talks with Nasser al-Khelaifi, chair of European Football Clubs, to reinforce continental unity in demanding change at the top of Fifa. Uefa continues to hold firm in its pledge to boycott Fifa competitions, having not received assurances that there will be no recurrence of the issues causing the current crisis.
