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Sat, Aug 1, 2026

Could Infantino lose FIFA presidency after he lost the fight to sell off the World Cup?

Gianni Infantino's grip on the FIFA presidency appears to be slipping, with the recent collapse of his plans to privatize the World Cup being the latest in a series of missteps that have left the organization's membership questioning his leadership.

Infantino's proposal to invite private investors to bid for the rights to host the World Cup, which was met with widespread opposition from member associations and national teams, has been widely seen as a last-ditch attempt to salvage his presidency. Despite making FIFA unimaginable fortunes during his tenure, Infantino's popularity has been waning in recent years, with many feeling that he has become increasingly out of touch with the needs and concerns of the game's grassroots.

The World Cup privatization plan was widely criticized as a brazen attempt to line the pockets of Infantino's closest allies and associates, who would have stood to benefit from the lucrative deals that would have been struck with private investors. The move was seen as a betrayal of the values and principles that underpin the beautiful game, and has left many in the football community wondering how Infantino could have been so reckless in his pursuit of power and wealth.

As the FIFA Congress approaches, Infantino's position looks increasingly precarious. With the World Cup privatization plan having been scrapped, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to recover from this latest blow to his credibility. With opposition to his leadership growing by the day, it is now more likely than ever that Infantino will lose his grip on the FIFA presidency, bringing an end to his tumultuous and often divisive tenure at the helm of world football's governing body.