CONCACAF Chief Montagliani Contemplates Challenge to FIFA Presidency
Victor Montagliani, the head of CONCACAF, is reportedly strategizing a move to challenge Gianni Infantino for the presidency of FIFA in the upcoming election set for next March. This development has been emphasized in a recent article by The i Paper, which cites unnamed sources close to the situation.
This potential challenge emerges amidst increasing scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership, specifically following FIFA’s controversial proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup, which has drawn sharp opposition from several major regional confederations. Infantino had announced in April his intention to pursue a fourth term as FIFA president, with the election for the 2027-2031 cycle scheduled to occur on March 18, 2023, in Morocco.
Historically, Infantino has enjoyed significant support from national football federations. However, public sentiment appears to have shifted over recent weeks after the announcement of a new $20 billion subsidiary linked to the flagship tournament of football, prompting some stakeholders to reassess their backing.
In response to FIFA’s initiatives, CONCACAF held a meeting where its 41 member associations expressed their concerns regarding the lack of due process, the rushed timeline, and the absence of review or approval from FIFA’s governance bodies. While the members unanimously rejected FIFA’s proposal, they did not endorse UEFA’s suggestion to boycott the World Cup. Notably, the Mexican Football Federation indicated that they would review the proposal before making an official decision on their position.
With these developments, all eyes are now on Montagliani, as the dynamics within FIFA begin to shift. The forthcoming election could pave the way for remarkable changes in the governance of international football, depending on how Montagliani’s intentions materialize amid ongoing challenges to Infantino’s presidency.
