Pressure Mounts on FIFA Boss Gianni Infantino as European Leagues Reject Expansion Plans

The pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino intensified on Wednesday after the European Leagues association, representing many of the continent's biggest domestic competitions, called for sweeping governance reforms and criticized the world football body's recent decision-making.

The latest criticism comes in the wake of Infantino's controversial proposal to sell stakes in future FIFA World Cup revenues through a commercial entity, a plan that triggered widespread backlash before being shelved. Although the proposal was withdrawn, the controversy has continued to fuel concerns over FIFA's leadership and internal functioning.

In a strongly worded statement, the European Leagues association said the episode had exposed serious shortcomings in FIFA's governance, internal culture and decision-making process. The organization argued that stakeholders, including domestic leagues, should have a formal role in shaping decisions that influence the future of global football.

The association also opposed any further expansion of FIFA competitions, including proposals to increase the World Cup to 64 teams, warning that unilateral decisions could disrupt domestic football calendars and place additional strain on players and clubs. It declared that until meaningful governance reforms are introduced, it would reject the expansion or creation of new FIFA competitions.

The latest criticism adds to the growing list of influential football bodies questioning FIFA's leadership. Earlier, UEFA warned it could boycott the World Cup if FIFA pursued its commercial restructuring plans and later said it had lost confidence in the organization's leadership despite Infantino stepping back from the proposal. CONCACAF also expressed concern, saying FIFA had drifted away from putting football's interests first.

The controversy has also exposed apparent divisions within FIFA itself. Senior officials, including Arsène Wenger and secretary-general Mattias Grafström, distanced themselves from the commercial proposal, while senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned last week. Chief operating officer Kevin Lamour reportedly told staff they had been "deceived" by the lack of transparency surrounding the initiative.

Amid the growing unrest, Infantino reportedly met senior FIFA officials in Rabat, Morocco, in what international media described as a crisis meeting. With FIFA presidential elections scheduled for March next year, the mounting criticism has increased speculation that Infantino could face a serious challenger as he seeks a fourth and final term in office.