Watch: BBC questions Infantino over backing as Fifa president
The BBC questioned Fifa president Gianni Infantino about whether he retains the backing of South American football body Conmebol and whether he will resign. The questions follow criticism of his abandoned proposal to sell private stakes in the World Cup, which has prompted multiple calls for him to step down.
Infantino did not answer the BBC’s questions while attending the inauguration of Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. BBC South America correspondent Ione Wells later again asked whether he would resign, but the article does not report a response.
- Infantino faced BBC questions over support and resignation calls.
- Critics objected to his abandoned World Cup private-stakes proposal.
- He did not answer the BBC’s questions.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The abandoned privatisation proposal signalled concerning judgment from Fifa's leadership, and its backlash across multiple footballing bodies suggests Infantino has lost the confidence necessary to govern effectively. His refusal to address direct questions about his support and future intentions compounds these concerns, indicating he is isolated and unable to command the backing required for the role. This situation warrants his resignation to allow Fifa to restore institutional credibility.
The case against
Infantino's decision to withdraw the controversial proposal demonstrates responsiveness to stakeholder concerns and sound judgment when presented with clear opposition. A single failed proposal, however misjudged, should not trigger a leadership change, particularly given the institutional disruption that would follow. Fifa needs continuity and stability; removing a leader for ultimately abandoning an idea would create the sort of instability that actually undermines good governance.