FIFA President Gianni Infantino targeted
FIFA President Gianni Infantino became the target of a fan-backed billboard in Times Square on September 4, 2026. The digital display went live at 6 AM at the corner of Broadway and West 43rd Street in New York City.
Messages included “FIFA deserves a leader, not a dealer” and “Soccer confederations: Remove Infantino.” Organizers used the campaign to demand his removal amid wider disputes over FIFA leadership and the abandoned private-investment proposal.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces demands
Organizers called on national federations and regional confederations to remove Infantino from office. They also urged supporters to protest at matches, display banners, and boycott FIFA events while their campaign continued publicly.
The group accused Infantino of misleading football officials and prioritizing private investors over supporters. Those accusations remain, the organizer claims, while FIFA has rejected broader allegations connected with the disputed investment proposal.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino plan examined
The dispute centers on FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed commercial subsidiary unveiled in July 2026. FIFA planned to raise up to $4.2 billion by offering outside investors a stake of up to 20% in an entity controlling commercial and event operations connected with FIFA competitions.
The proposal valued the entity at about $20 billion. Thrive Eternal, a Joshua Kushner-founded investment vehicle affiliated with Thrive Capital, was expected to lead the investor group before opposition from UEFA and other football bodies prompted FIFA to withdraw the plan.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino plan withdrawn
FIFA withdrew the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal on July 31 after opposition from several regional football bodies. Critics argued that the plan lacked adequate consultation and could transfer valuable commercial interests to outside investors.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and Concacaf opposed the proposal and later called for Infantino to leave office. FIFA abandoned the plan before any private-investment transaction was completed or ownership interest was transferred.
UEFA seeks FIFA records in U.S.
UEFA asked U.S. federal courts for permission to obtain documents and testimony from FIFA-related entities concerning FIFA Forward Enterprise. Its requests cover communications involving the proposal, investors, advisers, and the process used to develop it.
UEFA intends to use the requested evidence in a planned criminal complaint in Switzerland involving Infantino and potentially other parties. No court has ruled that Infantino committed wrongdoing connected with the abandoned proposal.
FIFA calls UEFA action a smear campaign
FIFA responded by accusing UEFA of conducting a smear campaign against the organization and Infantino. FIFA lawyers argued that UEFA’s legal applications were intended to damage reputations while the governance dispute remained unresolved.
FIFA also said the proposed investment structure was designed to increase funding for football development in markets outside wealthier ones. The organization has opposed UEFA’s discovery requests and challenged the federal legal process in court.
Josh Kushner regrets FIFA proposal
Thrive Eternal, a Joshua Kushner-founded investment vehicle affiliated with Thrive Capital, was expected to lead the proposed investor group for FIFA Forward Enterprise. Kushner later said his company had underestimated international football’s political dynamics and would not have become involved had it anticipated the resulting dispute.
Outside investors could have acquired a stake of up to 20% in the planned commercial structure. Kushner said the concept was designed to distribute more capital across FIFA’s 211 member associations and increase investment in less-developed football markets.
FIFA confederations split over Infantino
The Times Square protest followed broader institutional opposition to Infantino’s leadership. UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation have called for his resignation, while African and South American football bodies continue to publicly support his presidency.
That split matters because FIFA’s president is elected by eligible member associations at the FIFA Congress, not by the confederations themselves. Each eligible association has one vote, making support across all six confederations, including the Oceania Football Confederation, politically important.
FIFA Peace Prize adds to criticism
Infantino’s relationship with President Donald Trump also became part of the criticism. FIFA awarded Trump its inaugural Peace Prize in December 2025 during the 2026 World Cup final draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
FIFA said the annual award recognized efforts to promote peace and unity. Critics questioned the decision and Infantino’s political relationships, while the Times Square organizers later referenced the prize in arguments against his leadership.
Donald Trump joins World Cup ceremony
Trump and Infantino appeared together again at the 2026 World Cup final on July 19. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium before the post-match trophy ceremony began.
Trump joined Infantino and other host leaders to present medals before Spain captain Rodri received the World Cup trophy. Their joint appearance came shortly before the FIFA Forward Enterprise dispute intensified across international football governance.
Fun fact: Gianni Infantino speaks seven languages fluently, which is basically a diplomatic survival kit when your job involves 211 football associations.
Gianni Infantino avoids resignation questions
Infantino attended the opening day of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Katowice, Poland, on September 5, while questions about his future persisted. He declined to answer whether he had considered resigning or planned to seek reelection.
Infantino said there would be a proper place and time to discuss the matter. His appearance came one day after the Times Square billboard began displaying messages calling for his removal from FIFA leadership.
Gianni Infantino confirms 2027 bid
FIFA confirmed on September 6 that Infantino intends to seek reelection as president in March 2027. The decision keeps him in the race despite opposition stemming from the abandoned private investment proposal and the governance dispute.
Infantino first became FIFA president in 2016 and later won elections in 2019 and 2023. Another victory would extend his leadership through 2031, subject to FIFA’s presidential term rules and the 2027 vote in Morocco.
FIFA’s leadership crisis has divided national associations and regional confederations over Gianni Infantino’s future. Wondering which countries support him and which want change? Dive into the alliances, pressure points, and what could shape the next FIFA vote.
FIFA election will decide Infantino future
The 2027 FIFA presidential election provides member associations with a formal mechanism to decide Infantino’s future. Nominations are due by November 18, while the election is scheduled for March at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.
As of September 7, no rival candidate had formally entered the race. Infantino, therefore, remains FIFA president and a declared candidate, while legal disputes, federation opposition, supporter protests, and governance questions continue around his leadership.
Michel Platini says FIFA President Gianni Infantino “must go” and accused him of always loving money and power. Wondering what fueled the attack? Dive into their history, FIFA’s crisis, and the pressure surrounding Infantino.
Gianni Infantino plans to seek another term as FIFA president despite opposition from several confederations and the Times Square campaign. Should FIFA members keep him or choose new leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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