UEFA Backs Any FIFA President Candidate Except Netanyahu or Trump Amid Infantino Controversy

European football leaders are rallying to challenge FIFA President Gianni Infantino following his recent proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup, a plan involving associates of U.S. President Donald Trump and his family. According to the British Daily Telegraph on July 30, 2026, UEFA officials are seeking to recruit Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain and the European Club Association, to run against Infantino in the upcoming FIFA presidential election. This move reflects widespread European anger over Infantino's complex World Cup ownership plan, which has sparked turmoil within the sport.

UEFA is set to hold an emergency meeting to consider boycotting the World Cup and efforts to remove Infantino from office. A senior European football figure told the Telegraph, "I will support anyone running against Infantino, except Trump or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu." European football circles believe Al-Khelaifi, who holds key roles in UEFA, the ECA, and Qatar's beIN Sports network, has the Middle Eastern connections to build global support necessary to unseat Infantino, despite the challenge of securing a majority from FIFA's 211 member associations.

However, Al-Khelaifi's camp quickly denied any interest in the FIFA presidency, stating he will continue to discreetly support global and European football institutions. The Telegraph also noted that a Qatari candidacy would likely face harsh criticism due to FIFA's 2015 corruption scandals and ongoing human rights concerns in Qatar. The European Club Association, led by Al-Khelaifi, issued a statement expressing "serious concern" over FIFA's proposal, calling for calm and transparent dialogue, and criticized the lack of prior consultation with stakeholders before the announcement.

The controversy adds to the growing tensions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with UEFA considering drastic measures to oppose FIFA's current leadership and policies.