What happens next to Fifa president Gianni Infantino after World Cup sale controversy?

After facing a swift and stiff opposition to his proposal to sell stakes in commercial rights for the World Cup, Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been left in a precarious position. The Swiss administrator, who had earlier expressed his intentions to seek re-election for a fourth term, had hoped to strengthen FIFA and football worldwide, especially in nations in dire need of support.

However, with major football bodies like UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation rejecting the plan, the future of Infantino's re-election seems uncertain.

Uefa, in particular, has lost confidence in Infantino's leadership and has stated that rebuilding trust in FIFA is only just beginning. The organization has threatened to hold Infantino accountable and has urged the identification of those responsible for the "secret schemes on fast-track timescales." With Uefa's decision to boycott the World Cup and all FIFA competitions if the proposal is not withdrawn, the landscape for Infantino's re-election at the upcoming elections in Morocco on March 18 could change dramatically.

Fifa saw a significant increase in revenue to $15 billion in the recent cycle, which has resulted in financial benefits for smaller football federations. Infantino's re-election seemed like a formality, given his unwavering support from many confederations, especially those in Africa and Asia. However, the backlash surrounding the failed World Cup sale proposal could complicate his hopes for re-election ahead of the next election.

While Infantino currently has the numbers in his favor with over 200 federations endorsing his candidature, the events of this week could alter the landscape, potentially leading to a run by Concacaf president Victor Montagliani against Infantino.