What can halt Fifa’s authoritarian turn under Infantino? Change from the outside
The World Cup and its aftermath made clear that Fifa needs independent oversight by governments and NGOs dedicated to preserving the people’s game
TL;DR
- Fifa president Gianni Infantino proposed privatizing the World Cup with a $20 billion investment, drawing criticism for autocratic practices and nepotism, similar to Donald Trump's administration.
- Infantino has been accused of dictatorial behavior, limiting information flow and potentially violating Fifa statutes regarding term limits.
- Despite opposition from European bodies, Infantino is likely to be re-elected due to Fifa's patronage system, which distributes funds to national associations in exchange for loyalty.
- The article argues that Fifa requires independent oversight from governments and NGOs to preserve the sport as a social good.
- Efforts are underway, such as the 'Reboot Fifa' campaign, to make Infantino ineligible for re-election and to hold him accountable for violating Fifa's statutes.