Infantino, though, does crucially retain his core support in Africa and South America. His FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, which came to light in July just after the hugely successful World Cup, would have created a commercial subsidiary to run FIFA’s biggest events, such as the World Cup. The 56-year-old Swiss has lost the support of many associations in his bid to be re-elected to a fourth and final term since he launched and then hastily shelved his plan to allow private investment into the World Cup.
Gianni Infantino could survive weeks of criticism and secure re-election as FIFA president in the absence of a heavy hitter to challenge him, observers have told AFP.
The 56-year-old Swiss has lost the support of many associations in his bid to be re-elected to a fourth and final term since he launched and then hastily shelved his plan to allow private investment into the World Cup.
“Any prospective challenger at this point feels either performative or strategic to cut deals. “If the FFE was just a case of misguided process and communications strategy, why hide its specifics?
Terrence Burns, who was marketing strategist for two successful World Cup hosting bids, said Infantino was always in the box seat. “He holds all the cards and always has,” he told AFP. Former International Olympic Committee (IOC) marketing chief Michael Payne said “everyone is surprised” that no serious candidate has come forward to challenge Infantino. “If he is re-elected, which is looking increasingly likely, it will redefine the term Houdini,” Payne told AFP. “People within the IOC administration were working towards the goal of Coventry being elected, as (her predecessor) Thomas Bach’s wish was for her to be president,” a source close to the world of football governance, who asked not to be identified, told AFP. “This point is a fly in the ointment,” Burns said.
