The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) have reportedly begun discussions to hold a vote on a no-confidence motion to oust FIFA President Gianni Infantino, following fierce opposition that forced him to withdraw a plan to sell World Cup equity to private investors.

Reuters reported today (21st, Korea time) that "UEFA, AFC, and Concacaf are reviewing plans for a vote of no confidence against President Infantino," adding that "there has never been a case in FIFA's 112-year history where a vote of no confidence targeting a sitting president was conducted at a congress."

A source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters, "There is no other way," and that "Infantino must choose a peaceful path by giving up his candidacy in the FIFA presidential election next March, or walk the hard path of a no-confidence vote."

According to FIFA statutes, the Council can convene an extraordinary congress at any time.

An extraordinary congress must be called if at least one-fifth of the 211 member associations make a written request specifying the agenda.

The extraordinary congress must be convened within three months of the request, although FIFA's statutes do not contain an explicit provision regulating a vote of no confidence against the president.

In response to Reuters' request for comment on the no-confidence vote, UEFA avoided direct remarks, stating, "A thorough review of FIFA's leadership and governance must be conducted," and adding, "No options should be ruled out."

Meanwhile, FIFA maintained its stance that it "will not support or tolerate any procedures related to the FIFA presidential election that violate its statutes and democratic procedures."

However, concerns have also been raised that if the no-confidence vote attempts by the three continental confederations—UEFA, AFC, and Concacaf—fail, it could instead further strengthen President Infantino's position.

Infantino has expressed his intention to seek re-election through the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 2027 and is currently backed by many member associations, including the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

With the candidate registration deadline for the upcoming presidential election approaching on November 18, no challengers have publicly stepped forward to run against Infantino.

Fleetwood Haiya, president of the Football Association of Malawi, emphasized in an interview with Reuters, "Those who are ready to fight Infantino in a showdown of votes should step forward proudly," adding, "They must prove what they can bring to Malawi."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)