Uefa legal case may be beginning of the end for Infantino as Trump’s support evaporates | Barney Ronay
Guardian columnist Barney Ronay argues that Gianni Infantino's grip on Fifa's presidency may finally be weakening, six weeks after revelations of a covert plan to sell off World Cup-related assets for personal gain. The turning point, he suggests, is not the mounting public criticism but two recent legal developments tied to a threatened Uefa lawsuit: signs that Donald Trump's key allies are distancing themselves from Infantino as the threat of legal discovery looms, exposing potentially damaging internal documents and communications.
The article highlights Josh Kushner, the financier behind Fifa's troubled "Forward" scheme, who has been named in a Florida discovery order and issued a statement saying he "would not have gotten involved" had he known the full picture, while hiring high-profile lawyer Alex Spiro. Fifa itself has filed a counter-response dismissing the affair as a "smear campaign" but revealing its anxiety about the discovery process. Ronay notes that Trump's earlier public backing of Infantino, expressed via Truth Social in early August, was always somewhat qualified, and the prospect of documents surfacing linked to the president's circle is seen as a serious threat to Infantino's previously untouchable position ahead of a rival presidential challenge expected next March.
In short
- Infantino's Fifa presidency faces mounting pressure after failed World Cup sale plan.
- Uefa's legal threat could force damaging document discovery.
- Trump ally Josh Kushner distances himself, hires top lawyer amid scrutiny.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The legal developments could mark a real threat to Infantino because discovery may expose internal communications and unsettle influential allies whose support has helped secure his position. Kushner’s statement and appointment of a prominent lawyer suggest that people connected to the scheme may be preparing to distance themselves, while Fifa’s forceful response indicates the case could have institutional consequences.
The case against
The reported developments do not yet establish that Trump’s support has evaporated or that Infantino’s presidency is nearing its end. Kushner’s statement and legal representation may be prudent responses to litigation rather than evidence of a break, and Fifa’s description of the allegations as a smear campaign reflects its stated position; the case’s eventual effect will depend on what discovery reveals and how Fifa’s members respond.
Explained simply
Fifa is the international body that runs the men’s and women’s football World Cups, while Uefa governs football in Europe. Gianni Infantino has led Fifa since 2016, and a dispute over how World Cup-related commercial assets were handled has raised questions about the way the organisation is run.
Josh Kushner, a financier associated with Fifa’s Forward scheme, and Donald Trump’s circle have become relevant to the dispute. A court order allowing evidence to be gathered could bring private documents and communications into view, while Fifa rejects the allegations as a smear campaign.
The case matters because legal disclosures could affect relationships around Infantino and confidence in his leadership. A rival is expected to challenge him for the Fifa presidency next March, so any change in support could shape the contest.
Business Football Government Politics Research Science Sport