Gianni Infantino vows to do ‘what is right for the game’ amid calls to quit

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has made it clear he has no plans to leave his post despite growing pressure from UEFA and other fronts. Facing a storm over a proposed private investment fund to run the World Cup and scrutiny of the Folarin Balogun case, the head of world football has announced an independent governance review and insisted his top priority remains the wellbeing of the sport.

Why UEFA is putting pressure on Infantino

Tensions between FIFA and UEFA escalated in July when details emerged of a private investment vehicle designed to take over the commercial management of the World Cup and other major tournaments. That deal, valued at 20 billion dollars, set off alarm bells at the European governing body, which believes Infantino undervalued the commercial entity.

UEFA has turned to US courts to demand access to files related to the agreement and has not ruled out filing a criminal complaint in Switzerland if evidence supports the alleged undervaluation. FIFA, for its part, has branded UEFA's legal actions a smear campaign.

Reform pledge and public response to criticism

Faced with the scale of the accusations, Infantino has responded with a promise to overhaul FIFA's internal structures and a message appealing to dialogue as the way to resolve differences. His remarks, posted on Instagram, stress that the goal is not to generate flattering headlines but to act in the best interests of football.

There must be a culture of dialogue, of listening to each other and respecting one another. This is not about generating positive headlines, it is about doing what is right for the game. I have never been more determined and committed in doing that.

The FIFA boss published that message from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, while holding talks with senior Saudi football officials. Backing from Saudi Arabia and Qatar is seen as a key pillar in his bid to secure a fourth term in next year's election.

The FA's role and the crucial Zurich meeting

Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has also stepped up. Hewitt, who serves as a FIFA vice-president and sits on the FIFA Council, has sent a letter to Infantino demanding full disclosure of the files concerning both the investment plan and the Balogun case.

The English official plans to press her demands face to face at the upcoming FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on 15 October. That gathering is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for gauging the true scale of internal discontent with Infantino's leadership.

US congressional inquiry and the road to the election

The pressure goes beyond Europe. Infantino has also been faulted for what has been called wholly inadequate cooperation with an investigation by Democratic members of the United States House Judiciary Committee. That congressional panel is examining the FIFA president's ties to Donald Trump, and has sharply criticised the level of cooperation offered so far.

Meanwhile, the electoral machinery is already in motion. UEFA has pledged to put forward a credible alternative candidate before the nomination deadline on 18 November. Infantino, for his part, is leaning on Saudi-Qatari support and his reform promises to remain at the helm of world football's governing body.

Frequently asked questions about the FIFA crisis