Although FIFA President Gianni Infantino has withdrawn his plan to sell the commercial rights for the World Cup, his actions have led to a ‘trust crisis’. According to The Guardian’s report on August 23, UEFA President Michael Garcia accused Infantino of proposing a ‘devastating’ business plan. He warned Infantino that he would either resign or face challenges in the next election.
Severyn said in an interview with a podcast that Ignatio's business plan is more destructive than the European Super League plan: "I think his plan is worse than the European Super League. Some of the major clubs want to create their own leagues, which is wrong and will ruin football. But in Ignatio's plan, football will be completely betrayed."
The so-called European Super League is a concept proposed by several European football clubs to organize intercontinental football competitions, with the aim of creating a competition that is independent of the existing UEFA system. Due to widespread opposition and criticism from both UEFA and fans, the idea of the European Super League has been put on hold.
Severin revealed that since the controversy over the World Cup commercial rights sale plan arose, he has not been in contact with Inzaghi. He believes that the chances of Inzaghi continuing to serve as a coach are becoming increasingly slim.
Sevrin said, “He has two options right now. One is that he realizes he has lost support—not only from voters but also from the football community and fans, as well as from players, former players, and coaches. The other option is that he chooses to run in the elections scheduled for March next year. But if that happens, I believe he will face challenges from his competitors. I still don’t know who those competitors are.”
Severyn and Inzaghi, The Guardian
Inzaghi has stated that he intends to seek a re-election at the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 2027. Victor Montalivet, president of CONCACAF, is seen as Inzaghi's most strong opponent.
Although Sevrin also received some support, he clearly stated that he would not run for the position of FIFA President. It is expected that in the elections scheduled for April next year, Sevrin will be re-elected as the President of UEFA without any competitors, beginning his fourth term.
In addition, speaking of the close relationship between Infantino and U.S. President Trump, Severlin reminded Infantino: "To be honest, if you think that a politician like him or any other politician is your good friend, then you are really naive. Once you become a problem, you're no longer their friend."
Since Zidane's plan to sell a minority stake in a new FIFA business entity to private investors failed, he has been under great pressure. According to the original plan, this new entity would have control over the commercial rights of the World Cup, the flagship event in world football.
Reuters reported on August 20, citing several sources, that UEFA, FIFA, and CONCACAF are considering initiating a vote of no-confidence against Infantino. One of the sources said, "There is no other way out. He must either leave peacefully and decide not to run in the March election next year, or he must take a tough approach."
However, as the deadline for nominating candidates as FIFA President on November 18 approaches, no challengers have yet announced their candidacy. Meanwhile, Infantino still enjoys support from some FIFA member associations, including those that are not part of the FIFA Board.
