Whose time is it? By Patrick Omorodion

In his recent column, Patrick Omorodion discusses the ongoing challenges facing FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino. The article reflects on the events of 2015, when Joseph Sepp Blatter, then president of FIFA, faced significant controversies that led to his resignation. Blatter had been embroiled in a financial scandal involving a payment to Michel Platini, which resulted in a broader investigation into FIFA officials. Ultimately, both were cleared of fraud charges, but the incident precipitated a leadership change, with Issa Hayatou temporarily stepping in as acting president.

Omorodion highlights that with Blatter no longer in the picture, many expected African federations to support Mosima Gabriel "Tokyo" Sexwale in the subsequent election. Instead, they backed Gianni Infantino, who ultimately won the presidency with a majority vote, propelled by the shifting support from African voters after the first ballot.

Fast forward ten years, Infantino again finds himself amidst controversy, particularly concerning UEFA's position on his leadership. Critics have noted his alignment with U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly regarding decisions made during the World Cup. Infantino's recent moves to sell a stake in future World Cup revenues without consulting stakeholders have drawn significant backlash, with calls for his resignation growing.

As FIFA prepares for its Congress in March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco, Omorodion poses a critical question: Will Infantino survive this tumultuous period? With member associations currently divided in their support, the election outcome appears precarious. The article names key figures, including Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa and Aleksander Čeferin, who may challenge Infantino, highlighting the growing tensions within FIFA.

The landscape of FIFA's governance is complex, as different regional groups are at odds. UEFA, which holds substantial influence due to its financial contributions, is openly opposed to Infantino, while African federations remain supportive of his commercial plans. The voting distribution among regions suggests that Infantino's fate could hinge on alliances formed in the months leading up to the election. Given the shifting dynamics, Omorodion questions whose influence will ultimately prevail in the next election.