FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismissed a question about his leadership with a remark about a journalist's haircut, as he faces mounting pressure over an aborted plan to sell shares in FIFA tournaments to private investors. The exchange with a Sky News correspondent occurred outside a hotel in the Dominican Republic, where Infantino was received by the country's sports minister.
The incident underscores a deepening rift between FIFA and its continental confederations. Three confederations last week accused Infantino of deception, with UEFA threatening a boycott of FIFA competitions and the Asian Football Confederation criticising fundamental flaws in FIFA's decision-making processes. Concacaf's president asked Infantino to stay away from a youth event, citing the governance crisis.
Infantino, who is seeking a fourth term until 2031, faces an uncertain reelection at the March 2027 FIFA Congress. A fan petition launched Thursday under the hashtag InfantinOut demands his resignation and a rebuilding of the organisation.