How opposition could oust Infantino using FIFA Statutes, governance guidelines

Three legally approved routes could force FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down before his current term ends in 2027. The first option involves a vote of no confidence during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress. According to FIFA Statutes, a simple majority of 20% of member associations (43 out of 211) must request the congress within three months.

If the opposing side secures this, they can propose a motion to remove Infantino, which requires a majority vote from all national associations during the congress. However, UEFA's 55 member associations alone could pose a significant obstacle since they exceed the required threshold. The second avenue is through sanctions from FIFA's independent Ethics Committee.

If the committee finds evidence of serious ethical violations, it can impose severe penalties, including a provisional suspension or permanent ban from football-related activities. This could effectively end Infantino's presidency prematurely, similar to what happened to Sepp Blatter in 2015. Lastly, Infantino could be removed before 2027 by fielding an alternative candidate before the November 18, 2026 nomination deadline for the March 2027 congress.

Opposing factions led by European football authorities would need to convince a majority of the 211 voting member nations to reject his re-election or revoke their support. Alternatively, some prominent global football stakeholders are canvassing for Infantino's voluntary resignation, but this would depend on his personal choice rather than a legal process.