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Gianni Infantino could face leadership challenge as Fifa Council members rebel

The Guardian Sport Sunday 02 August 2026, 07:00 UTC By Exclusive by Matt Hughes 1 min read
Key Points

Council wants to trigger emergency general meeting Members demand review of Balogun decisionGianni Infantino is facing a rebellion from members of the Fifa Council who are attempting to force an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) that could develop into a full blown leadership challenge. The Guardian has learned that moves to call an EGM were already under way before the emergence of Infantino’s abortive plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup, with council members demanding an independent...

  • Council wants to trigger emergency general meeting

  • Members demand review of Balogun decision

Gianni Infantino is facing a rebellion from members of the Fifa Council who are attempting to force an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) that could develop into a full blown leadership challenge.

The Guardian has learned that moves to call an EGM were already under way before the emergence of Infantino’s abortive plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup, with council members demanding an independent review into the unprecedented decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the World Cup, which involved multiple phone calls from Donald Trump.

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Gianni Infantino (PERSON) Fifa Council (ORG) Council (ORG) Balogun (ORG) Infantino (ORG) the Fifa Council (ORG) EGM (ORG) Guardian (ORG) the World Cup (EVENT) Folarin Balogun (PERSON) Donald Trump (PERSON)
Originally published by The Guardian Sport Read original →

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