FIFA president faces Council meeting

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is set to meet with members of the Council in Zurich at 11:00 AM local time (9:00 AM GMT), marking the first session of the governing body since April 28. The meeting comes after a scandal that nearly led to Infantino's removal this summer.

Infantino's re-election prospects

Infantino, who had been unchallenged for ten years and expected to be re-elected on March 18, 2027, nearly faced being forced out after abandoning his secret project to open the World Cup to private investors. The European, North American, and Asian football confederations had united to demand his resignation.

Funding demands from confederations

The heads of UEFA and CONCACAF, Alexander Ceferin and Victor Montagliani, requested FIFA to use its several billion dollars in reserves to provide "at least 10 million dollars" additional to each of the 211 member federations. This demand is expected to be the main topic discussed on Thursday.

Struggle to find a presidential candidate

However, the rebellious confederations remain unable to propose their own candidate for the presidency of FIFA by the deadline set for November 18. A source close to the international bodies suggested that Ceferin and Montagliani are offering Infantino an opportunity to consolidate his re-election.

FIFA treasury as a political tool

FIFA's treasury, which has been a point of contention, is seen as an electoral weapon. Critics argue that since FIFA has no need for funding, it is questionable why it would want to alienate a part of its future revenues to external investors.

Infantino's funding proposal

Infantino is expected to present an increased funding plan based on a source close to the matter: 6.35 billion dollars for the 2027-2030 cycle, including a payment of 25 million dollars to each of its 211 member federations, a significant increase compared to previous forecasts.

Proposals to strengthen Council

UEFA has proposed strengthening the powers of the Council and its opening to "stakeholders" - potentially the European Club Association (ECA) led by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. On the agenda for Thursday is also the first edition of the Women's Club World Cup, which is expected to return to the United States in early 2028.

Review of the FIFA Peace Prize

The Council will also look into the "FIFA Peace Prize," following a highly criticized first award last year to Donald Trump, without the criteria and procedures ever having been clearly defined since.