The FIFA Council meeting in Zurich reflected the tension and divisions currently gripping world soccer. The bloc most critical of Gianni Infantino, led by UEFA, emerged from the meeting even more determined to find a candidate for next year’s election, according to a source who spoke to AS. However, the name of that candidate has yet to emerge, with just one month remaining before the deadline for nominations. That uncertainty strengthens Infantino’s position, as he believes he has enough support to win.

Infantino’s “insufficent” explanations

For more than three hours, the biggest power brokers in world soccer sat across from one another, laying bare a split that now appears increasingly difficult to repair. Infantino offered explanations and expressed some regret over the failed FFE project, through which he sought to commercialize part of the World Cup. But his critics felt the answers were “insufficient.”

“We did not get answers to anything we had specifically requested,” FA chair Debbie Hewitt said.

Infantino did promise a $15 million investment for each federation during the next cycle, although that alone is unlikely to silence his most vocal critics. The chess match continues, with only a few months remaining before the picture becomes clearer.

UEFA and CONCACAF need a candidate

The first priority for UEFA and CONCACAF is to find a candidate who can win over enough support. With Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani ruled out, Lisa Klaveness and Michele Kang remain among the potential names. Arsene Wenger has also emerged as a possibility in recent days, although European soccer officials would prefer the candidate to come from another confederation.

The name of the candidate capable of challenging Infantino in the FIFA presidential election must be officially announced by Nov. 18. The election itself will take place March 18 in Rabat.

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