Kathmandu— Gianni Infantino has shelved plans for a commercial subsidiary of FIFA, prompting UEFA to end its boycott. However, the European governing body is now focused on rebuilding trust with FIFA as women’s football events approach and the FIFA presidential election looms in March 2027.

UEFA's Rebuilding Trust

With UEFA lifting its boycott of FIFA, attention turns to the upcoming U20 World Cup in Poland and the U17 World Cup in Morocco. Despite this positive development, football associations across Europe are expected to withdraw their support for Infantino. Finland was the first nation to publicly distance itself from Infantino last week, followed by Wales and England. Jordan's FA President Ali bin Hussein accused Infantino of blackmail, while Germany’s FA (DFB) director Andreas Rettig stated that trust in FIFA has been irreparably damaged.

FIFA Presidential Election

Infantino is set to run for re-election as FIFA president on March 18, 2027. To secure victory, he needs 106 votes from the 211 member states. However, recent events have put him under increasing pressure. The resignation of his senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro and criticism from several council members suggest that Infantino’s position is far from secure. An emergency meeting has been called to address these issues.

Potential Successors

With no clear frontrunner, speculation abounds about who might succeed Infantino. Nasser Al-Khelaifi of Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA President Alexander Ceferin have both ruled themselves out. Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is one potential candidate, but his readiness to challenge remains uncertain. Lise Klaveness from Norway has supporters within UEFA but may lack the broad appeal needed for a FIFA candidacy. Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa of AFC could be another contender if the AFC breaks ranks with FIFA.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.