The FIFA president, dubbed 'Sun King' by Swiss media and accused by the FIFPro chief of behaving 'like a man who thinks he is God,' is going through the toughest period since taking the helm of world football's governing body in 2016.
Gianni Infantino, the man who ten years ago promised FIFA member associations transparency with the message 'FIFA's money is your money,' now faces the most serious crisis of his tenure. After the plan to sell part of the commercial rights to private investors was withdrawn due to strong opposition, primarily from Europe, questions have been raised in parts of the football community about his future at the helm of the world governing body.
Born in 1970 in Switzerland to Italian immigrant parents, Infantino is a lawyer by training. He built his career at UEFA, where he was a close associate of then-president Michel Platini for years, eventually rising to the position of General Secretary. The corruption scandals that rocked FIFA in 2015 paved his way to the top. After Platini withdrew from the race, Infantino became UEFA's candidate and won the presidential election in February 2016.
He promised member associations greater financial resources and reforms at the time, but nearly a decade later, the picture is markedly different. His critics point to the problem of excessive power, ties to political leaders, and an increased focus on generating revenue from FIFA tournaments.
Swiss media have dubbed him the 'Sun King' due to his management style. An even harsher critique came from FIFPro president Sergio Marchi, who in an open letter accused him of behaving like 'a man who thinks he is God.'
His relationships with U.S. President Donald Trump and Middle Eastern leaders have caused particular tensions. In 2025, new controversies erupted when he arrived late to FIFA's Congress in Paraguay due to attending a political event in Riyadh. At that time, some European delegates, including UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, left the hall in protest.
The recently concluded World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was not without Infantino's controversial statements. Ahead of the final, sitting alongside Donald Trump in New York's Trump Tower, in a room full of billionaires and members of the Trump family, Infantino described the World Cup as 'the greatest human, social, and cultural event that humanity has ever witnessed.' That statement further enraged many football fans who had greeted the tournament with a degree of disappointment.
The latest crisis could have far-reaching consequences. The next presidential elections are scheduled for March 2027, and the failed plan to involve private money has further damaged Infantino's reputation. Support from a significant portion of European football is no longer certain, although he can still count on a large number of votes from Africa and parts of Asia.
Speculation about potential successors is already underway. Possible candidates include Aleksander Čeferin, Victor Montagliani, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Mattias Grafström, and Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa. According to available information, Infantino has no intention of stepping down and will attempt to rebuild support in the coming period to retain the position he has held since 2016.
