FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to hold a critical meeting with senior FIFA officials in Morocco on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, as he seeks to stabilize his position after the collapse of his controversial plan to sell off commercial rights to the World Cup.

The proposal involved selling 20% of FIFA's commercial rights to private investors to raise $4.2 billion, including a company linked to United States President Donald Trump’s family. This plan sparked widespread criticism and personal attacks against Infantino after it was presented to FIFA’s 211 member associations last week.

Despite Infantino’s withdrawal of the plan last Friday, the European football confederation UEFA remains highly critical. UEFA accused Infantino of "selling the soul of the game" and stated it no longer has confidence in his leadership. UEFA has also threatened legal action against Infantino and FIFA and confirmed serving a legal letter related to the World Cup plan.

Additional fallout includes internal dissent within FIFA, with reports of staff breaking ranks, and former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger stating he was unaware of the plan. According to a report in The Times of London, UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are reportedly determined to oust Infantino by paralyzing FIFA and potentially launching their own competitions if he refuses to step down.

Infantino has spent the past week in Morocco, which is set to cohost the 2030 World Cup, where the local football association has publicly reaffirmed its support for him.

Sources