Gianni Infantino Archives

FIFA chief proposes reforms after backlash over investment plan

September 22, 2026 by Sports Desk

ZURICH: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed an independent external review of the governing body’s decision-making structure after a controversial investment plan drew strong opposition from football organizations.

In a letter to FIFA’s 211 member associations and the FIFA Council, Infantino said the review could examine who should have authority over major strategic decisions and whether the roles of the FIFA president, Bureau, Council and Congress need to be changed. It would also consider measures to improve transparency and accountability.

The move follows the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal in July. The plan called for a new FIFA-owned subsidiary to manage commercial and tournament operations and proposed raising up to $4.2 billion through minority, non-controlling external investments. FIFA said the initiative was intended to generate additional revenue for football development.

The proposal faced opposition from several football confederations and member associations. FIFA subsequently withdrew it, saying the project had created divisions that were no longer consistent with its original objective.

FIFA later acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the process and said a review would be conducted, with a report to be presented to the FIFA Council.

Infantino said the Forward Enterprise proposal had become public before FIFA completed its internal process, creating the impression that a final decision had already been made. He stressed that it had remained a proposal and had been withdrawn.

The proposed governance review would examine FIFA’s framework for major strategic initiatives and recommend potential improvements.

Infantino also said he was prepared to hold discussions with confederations, member associations and other stakeholders on strengthening FIFA’s decision-making processes.

Infantino, 56, indicated that he remains committed to leading FIFA. He announced in April that he intended to seek another term as president at the 2027 FIFA Congress.

The first reform proposals could be discussed when the FIFA Council meets on Oct. 15, 2026.

FIFA President backs Ronaldo as Portugal star closes in on 1,000 career goals

August 24, 2026 by Sports Desk

PARIS: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly backed Cristiano Ronaldo as the Portugal and Al-Nassr star moves closer to an unprecedented milestone of 1,000 career goals.

The brief exchange took place during the Esports World Cup in Paris, where Ronaldo greeted Infantino. The FIFA president referred to the striker’s goal tally and said, “23 to go? I wish you luck!”

Ronaldo currently leads the active men’s scoring charts with 977 career goals, while Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi is second with 923, according to the figures cited in the report.

At 41, Ronaldo remains one of the most prolific scorers in men’s football. He has scored 130 goals for Al-Nassr and needs 23 more goals to reach the 1,000 mark.

Ronaldo closes in on historic milestone

Ronaldo added to his tally after coming off the bench to score in Al-Nassr’s 4-0 Saudi Pro League victory. He found the net seven minutes after entering the game.

His career tally includes goals scored for both club and country, with his pursuit of 1,000 goals continuing to attract worldwide attention.

Messi, 39, remains the closest active player to Ronaldo in the scoring race, with 923 career goals for club and country.

Ronaldo’s next challenge

Al-Nassr’s domestic and regional commitments could provide Ronaldo with numerous opportunities to reach the milestone in the coming months if he maintains his scoring rate.

The veteran forward is also being managed carefully by Al-Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou, with the club aiming to keep him in top form throughout the season.

Ronaldo’s pursuit of 1,000 goals has become one of the most closely watched individual milestones in world football, with every goal bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner closer to history.

Ireland Football Association withdraws support for FIFA president

August 14, 2026 by Sports Desk

DUBLIN: The Football Association of Ireland has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term, dealing another setback to his bid to remain at the helm of world football’s governing body.

The Irish football association confirmed the decision in a letter to FIFA, saying recent developments had raised serious concerns over governance, transparency and consultation.

The move came as the Irish football body’s counterparts in Northern Ireland backed UEFA’s position on the issue.

UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have previously raised concerns over Infantino’s leadership and accused him of undermining trust.

The withdrawal of Ireland’s support adds to growing opposition facing Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election.

The Football Association of Wales was the first of the British and Irish football associations to withdraw its support for Infantino, while the English Football Association has also backed away from its previous support.

The developments could increase pressure on Infantino as he seeks a fourth term as FIFA president.

UEFA maintains FIFA boycott despite Infantino’s withdrawal of plan

August 13, 2026August 7, 2026 by World Desk

GENEVA: European football’s governing body UEFA said its member associations will continue their boycott of FIFA competitions despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino reversing his decision to pursue the sale of minority stakes in the organization’s commercial assets.

In a statement, UEFA said its 55 member associations remain committed to withdrawing from FIFA events, stressing that the world football governing body has not accepted the conditions set by European football authorities.

UEFA had unanimously voted to consider withdrawing from FIFA competitions after Infantino announced plans to seek private investment in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other major events.

Facing growing pressure, Infantino later abandoned the proposal and received support from FIFA leadership during a meeting in Morocco. However, UEFA said the withdrawal of the plan was only one of several conditions required to restore cooperation.

The European body said additional demands linked to participation in FIFA competitions remain unresolved, adding that its position on the boycott has not changed.

Infantino gains African backing as FIFA leadership criticism continues

August 13, 2026August 7, 2026 by World Desk

ZURICH: FIFA President Gianni Infantino received a major boost in his bid for a fourth term after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unanimously expressed support for his leadership, while criticism from European football authorities continued.

CAF, which represents 54 member associations and is one of FIFA’s largest voting blocs, endorsed Infantino’s leadership, a move seen as a significant political gain for the FIFA president ahead of the next election.

However, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) reiterated that it still lacks confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

UEFA said its position had not changed despite FIFA withdrawing a controversial proposal involving private investment in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other major events. The European body said FIFA had not provided guarantees that similar decisions would not be pursued in the future.

FIFA has apologized to its 211 member associations over the handling of the investment proposal, acknowledging flaws in the decision-making process and promising a comprehensive review.

Meanwhile, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) expressed concerns over unilateral decision-making and called for greater transparency and institutional reforms within FIFA.

FIFA withdraws ‘FIFA Forward Enterprise’ project after concerns

August 13, 2026August 1, 2026 by World Desk

ZURICH: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced the withdrawal of the proposed “FIFA Forward Enterprise” project, saying the initiative had created divisions within football and was no longer in the best interest of the sport.

In a statement, Infantino said the project was dependent on securing support from the majority of FIFA member associations. After considering the views of all stakeholders, FIFA decided not to proceed with the proposal.

The FIFA president said the organisation’s mission has always been to promote unity and improve football globally.

He added that FIFA would work to bring all relevant parties back to the discussion table and continue its efforts to develop football in countries in need.

Infantino confirmed that the FIFA Forward Enterprise project has been officially abandoned and that no further progress would be made on the proposals.

The announcement came after FIFA faced criticism and objections over the proposed project, prompting the governing body to issue clarifications regarding its objectives and structure.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announces upcoming visit to Pakistan

January 23, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

DAVOS: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans to visit Pakistan in the near future to promote and strengthen the development of football in the country.

In an interview in Davos, Infantino said he had given a commitment to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and is now preparing to make the visit.

He praised the newly appointed leadership of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), describing Pakistan as a “great football country” with significant potential.

Expressing optimism about the future of the sport, the FIFA chief said he hopes Pakistan will emerge as one of Asia’s leading football nations. He added that FIFA is actively working to support Pakistan in achieving this objective through institutional reforms and development initiatives.

Relations between FIFA and Pakistan have improved steadily in recent years. Last month, Pakistani lawmaker Syeda Amna Batool was appointed to FIFA’s Institutional Reforms Committee, marking a significant step in strengthening cooperation.

Earlier, FIFA Senior Vice President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa visited Pakistan in November 2025.

During his three-day visit, he held meetings with football officials and government representatives to discuss the expansion of football infrastructure and governance reforms.

Football has long enjoyed popularity among Pakistani youth, with increasing interest at national and international levels.

Local tournaments, school competitions, and community clubs across major cities have further fueled enthusiasm for the sport.

Despite this growth, football continues to operate under the long-standing dominance of cricket, which remains Pakistan’s most popular and commercially successful sport. However, recent developments signal renewed hope for football’s revival in the country.

FIFA chief lauds Arshad Nadeem’s achievements in javelin throw

December 31, 2025 by Pakistan Desk

KARACHI: Pakistani javelin star Arshad Nadeem held a cordial meeting with International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino in Dubai during the Global Sports Summit.

During the meeting, Infantino inquired about Nadeem’s javelin throwing achievements.

In response, Arshad Nadeem shared that his best throw was 92 meters, but he aims to break his own record.

Infantino expressed his best wishes for the athlete’s future endeavors and the two took pictures together.

Interestingly, Gianni Infantino was already aware of Nadeem’s accomplishments, which pleasantly surprised the Pakistani javelin thrower.

Earlier, Arshad Nadeem added another milestone to his illustrious career after receiving the Global Breakthrough Athlete Award at the Global Sports Summit in Dubai, marking a historic moment for Pakistan athletics on the international stage.

The prestigious award was presented by Sheikh Mansoor bin Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, son of the Ruler of Dubai, in recognition of Arshad Nadeem’s outstanding performances and his rise as one of the world’s leading javelin throwers.

Federal Information Atta Tarar congratulated Arshad Nadeem on his success.

FIFA honours Trump with peace award at World Cup draw ceremony

December 6, 2025 by Pakistan Desk

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has awarded US President Donald Trump the FIFA Peace Award.

According to international media reports, Trump received the honour during the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw ceremony, scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.

The award was presented to Trump by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a ceremony held in Washington. Media outlets in the U.S. reported that FIFA had announced the honour last month, stating it would be given to individuals who made exceptional efforts for the cause of peace.

Speaking at the ceremony, Trump expressed gratitude, calling it “one of the greatest honours of my life.” He stated, “We saved millions of lives. We prevented wars—whether in Congo or by stopping conflict between India and Pakistan before it erupted.”

Trump also praised Infantino for his leadership, acknowledging remarkable achievements in football development and record-breaking ticket sales, describing the honour as a moment of pride for both the sport and its global community.