FIFA president Gianni Infantino probably hoped things would return to business as usual after shelving his much-criticised plan to allow private investment in the World Cup — it has been quite the reverse.

The 56-year-old Swiss lawyer’s future hangs in the balance, after having previously looked assured with him a shoo-in to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final term next March.

AFP Sport highlights the pick of the reaction since Infantino’s humiliating climbdown last Saturday, when he said, “Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”

The critics

“The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA’s confidence but also that of many other members of the football family.”

UEFA welcomed the withdrawal but in a letter sent last Friday by its lawyer in the US said it was considering legal action.

“The shabby, back room, opaque deal he hatched and tried to force through were anything but transparent.”

UEFA does not mince its words in its appraisal of the plan and adds it contradicts exactly what Infantino promised back in 2016 when he first sought election — transparency.

“This recent unilateral and egregious act of poor governance and leadership follows a pattern of missteps and similar behaviour,” North and Central American football’s governing body CONCACAF — which includes the three co-hosts of this year’s World Cup: Canada, Mexico and the US — does not hold back either in a broadside aimed at Infantino.

“A comprehensive reckoning with this presidency is imperative.”

CONCACAF throws down the gauntlet. Its president, Victor Montagliani is widely cited as the favoured candidate to oppose Infantino.

“The future of global football must always be shaped through proper consultation, collective dialogue and respect for the established governance structures of our game,” said Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) who finished runner-up to Infantino in the 2016 election.

“Together with UEFA and other confederations, we must ensure that a fundamentally different culture takes hold at FIFA — a culture where, above all, decisions are once again discussed and made by members within the governing bodies,” the German Football Federation (DFB) said in its statement.

England’s Football Association (FA), in its statement, said, “It is time for a full and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure that the global game is run transparently, for the benefit of all 211 member nations and with the long-term stewardship of football at its heart.”

Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein, who serves as the president of the Jordanian Football Association and ran against Infantino in 2016, has accused FIFA of withholding money owed unless he supported Infantino in his re-election bid.

“We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now. But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that.”

Furthermore, the Welsh FA (FAW) has officially withdrawn its support for Infantino, and has been publicly joined at least by Sweden, Serbia and Finland.

“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept,” FAW’s statement said.

FIFA insiders

Legendary former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, appointed in 2019 by Infantino as Chief of Global Football Development, is listed in UEFA’s lawyer’s letter despite his denial of involvement in the plan.

“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports,” he said.

Breaking his silence after a week, Wenger said, “The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question.”

Previously he had been a supporter of another dashed dream of Infantino’s — a World Cup every two years.

In a message to staff to rebuild morale, FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom wrote, “Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue.”

He is also named in the list of people cited by UEFA’s lawyer.

Supporters

Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Moroccan football federation (FRMF), said Infantino had his full backing.

“The FIFA president’s decision was wise as it prioritises the unity and cohesion of all the member associations of FIFA for all the initiatives of developing football.”

2022 World Cup hosts Qatar are also firmly behind Infantino: “We welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s decision to withdraw the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal in the interest of the global football community. While the proposal had merit, we applaud the wisdom behind prioritising unity among Member Associations.

“The Qatar Football Association fully supports President Infantino’s efforts to continue growing and strengthening the game globally.”