Is Infantino's grip on FIFA shaking?

It seems that the European Football Association (UEFA) is determined to embarrass FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The German newspaper "The Zeit" reported that UEFA demanded that Gianni Infantino provide detailed information regarding investors' plans related to the World Cup, and his "business" relations with the family of US President Donald Trump.

Bone-breaking battle

The European Football Association (UEFA) sent a letter to Gianni Infantino containing 42 questions, and set November 2 as the deadline for Gianni Infantino to respond to these questions.

As for the questions, they include a request for clarification regarding cooperation with Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, as part of the plan to sell World Cup rights to private investors.

The Zeit newspaper pointed out that one of the questions is related to the cancellation of the suspension penalty imposed on American striker Folarin Balogun during the last World Cup, and whether the matter is related to a possible phone call between Infantino and Trump.

UEFA’s letter to Gianni Infantino stated: “A set of decisions, transactions, and interventions involving the President of FIFA, the President of the United States, and individuals associated with him raise serious questions about potential conflicts of interest, transparency, and institutional accountability.”

For some time now, the relationship between the European Football Association (UEFA) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has been tense. UEFA strongly criticized some of FIFA's decisions led by Infantino, especially after a FIFA project proposed creating a company to manage the commercial interests of the FIFA tournament, including the World Cup, and selling a minority stake to private investors.

UEFA accuses Infantino and FIFA of mismanagement. Meanwhile, FIFA responds that its counterpart, UEFA, is launching a smear campaign against Gianni Infantino, according to what was reported by various European media.

Infantino and Trump...a ​​special relationship!

The British newspaper The Independent explained that the roots of the relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump go back to 2018. It added that Trump received the FIFA president at the White House, after the United States won the organization of the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada.

The same source continued that the duo met again in Davos in 2020, where they had dinner together. He added that the relationship between the two was further strengthened during Trump's second term in office, with the 2026 World Cup approaching. He added that before the start of the largest football tournament in the world, Trump received the first edition of the "FIFA Peace Prize" from Gianni Infantino in 2025.

Months ago, an informed source inside the White House told the New York Post that Trump wanted Infantino to take over as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.

According to the same source, Trump believes that Infantino is “respected by everyone around the world” and has a “special ability to bring people together.”

Donald Trump also expressed his absolute support for Gianno Infantino, who has been facing great pressure to resign from his position for some time. Trump warned that even thinking about ousting Infantino would be a "huge mistake."

It is noteworthy that Gianni Infantino will run for re-election in March 2027, with the deadline of November 18 for potential candidates to submit their nominations approaching. UEFA has not nominated any competitor yet.