Gianni Infantino’s post-World Cup period has turned into a growing FIFA crisis. From a secret multibillion-pound investment proposal to UEFA’s boycott threat and calls for his resignation, here is what happened each day from 27 July to 7 August.
Monday, 27 July
Infantino celebrates the World Cup’s success with a lengthy Instagram post attacking journalists he accuses of spreading “hate and false rumours” about FIFA, money and his relationship with Donald Trump.
Tuesday, 28 July
A Times report reveals FIFA’s reported £3.1bn plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. The proposal reportedly involved Jared Kushner’s brother, triggering criticism from politicians and football figures, including former FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
Wednesday, 29 July
Infantino confirms the plan but calls it only a “proposal” under consultation. FIFA gives its 211 member associations until 19 September to support it or risk losing their £15m share, while UEFA and Concacaf raise concerns.
Thursday, 30 July
Further details of the plan emerge, showing FIFA worked with JPMorgan on the proposal. UEFA holds an emergency meeting, with all 55 members agreeing to boycott FIFA competitions if the plan proceeds. Calls for political scrutiny also grow in the US.
Friday, 31 July
FIFA’s own chief operating officer criticises the proposal, while Andy Burnham becomes the first leader of a major football nation to call for Infantino’s resignation. Donald Trump denies involvement. FIFA blames inaccurate media reports for disrupting its consultation.
Saturday, 1 August
Infantino abandons the investment proposal, saying he has listened to criticism. UEFA nevertheless says FIFA’s leadership has lost its confidence and demands accountability. Qatar’s FA remains firmly behind Infantino.
Sunday, 2 August
Signs of a rebellion emerge within the FIFA Council as some countries consider withdrawing their support for Infantino’s re-election. Reports also claim Infantino sought Trump’s help. Blatter again criticises FIFA’s focus on money.
Monday, 3 August
The withdrawal of political support gathers momentum, with England, Wales and Serbia joining other European countries in demanding change. UEFA lawyers order FIFA to preserve documents linked to the collapsed proposal and consider possible legal action. Concacaf president Victor Montagliani emerges as a potential challenger.
Tuesday, 4 August
Infantino’s deputy Mattias Grafström reportedly describes the proposal as a “sad and reproachable” episode. Greece withdraws its support, while Jordan’s Prince Ali accuses FIFA’s administration of using financial pressure to influence re-election support.
Wednesday, 5 August
Infantino holds a crisis meeting with FIFA staff in Morocco. FIFA says employees unanimously backed him and warns critics that attacks on its integrity will no longer be tolerated. Former Portugal star Luís Figo publicly calls for Infantino to resign.
Thursday, 6 August
UEFA renews its boycott threat, dismissing FIFA’s claim of internal support. Players’ union FIFPRO also enters the debate, saying the abandoned proposal does not resolve the deeper concerns about abuse of power and calling for genuine reforms.
Friday, 7 August
Support for Infantino remains divided. Mexico and Argentina join African football authorities in backing him, while Norway calls for his departure and files another ethics complaint. Infantino travels to Colombia for the inauguration of president Abelardo de la Espriella, where he again speaks about football as a force for joy, happiness and unity.
What Happens Next ?
In just two weeks, Infantino has gone from celebrating the World Cup to facing the biggest political challenge of his FIFA presidency. Although the investment proposal has been withdrawn, UEFA’s opposition, ethics complaints, calls for resignation and questions over FIFA’s governance mean the crisis is far from over.
