If there was anyone out there who still thought the worst thing about Gianni Infantino is his choice of footwear, the recent announcement of his plan to sell shares in FIFA’s competitions having consulted with…checks  notes…precisely no one, may have been something of a wake-up call.

Even in parts of the footballing world with most to gain from the alleged $20 million windfall/inducement/ bribe* each FIFA member would receive as a down payment (with another $20 million to come in due course) there was considerable umbrage about the manner in which this proposal/fait accompli* was handled.  This raised serious questions about underlying motives and how the game would be impacted – concerns compounded by the clear potential for its further Americanisation, given the lead investors involved and Infantino’s current infatuations.  If you thought the sight of Ronaldo (Brazilian variety) and Ronaldinho pretending to drive an ageing pop star on to the pitch at half time in the World Cup final was your worst football experience since Richard Keogh passed to Bobby Zamora in 2014 … well it was probably just a matter of time!

Opposition to Infantino’s plan was swift and robust.  The proposals were criticised in no uncertain terms by the global players’ organisation FIFPRO and in this country the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) expressed its opposition.  The FSA’s statement, consistent with one issued by Football Supporters‘ Europe, also indicated supporter dissatisfaction with the recent World Cup, something with which Infantino clearly refuses to engage.

The initial response from the FA largely focused on process rather than the proposition, but UEFA went further, attacking the idea itself in two brief pronouncements on July 28th and July 29th.  It then  announced that its 55 members had agreed unanimously to boycott FIFA competitions until Infantino’s plans were dropped, and provided a powerful explanation as to why these plans were a bad idea.  The FA confirmed its support for the collective view and Infantino’s proposals were also rejected by all 41 members (including the USA) of Concacaf, UEFA’s equivalent for North and Central America.  The Asian Football Confederation said it “stood in solidarity” with UEFA and Concacaf.  In total these three federations represent over half of FIFA’s members.

Suddenly international football represented a far less attractive investment opportunity than it had seemed just a few days previously, presumably leaving Infantino’s plans fatally holed below the water-line.  We should not, however, underestimate the lack of self awareness of a middle aged man who thinks a lounge suit paired with brilliant white trainers are a good look – especially when a lot of money is involved!  At breakfast time on Friday morning he was claiming media misrepresentation had disrupted the consultation process – presumably the one no one else seemed to be aware of – and showed no signs of backing down.  But as the pubs were closing Infantino’s plans had been dropped following the resignation of his senior advisor and a withering statement from FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer accusing his boss of deception, comments that would normally put a COO’s job at risk.  Instead it is now Infantino’s career that is on the line, with explicit and implicit statements of no confidence in him flying in, and no sign of anyone coming to the rescue.

It is appreciated that there could be a range of opinions though.  Who would want to deny Cape Verde monies that if spent wisely would be transformative for its football and possibly beyond.  So if you wish to share your thoughts please get in touch via membership@ramstrust.org.uk and should you want more information the BBC website is a useful, up to date and accessible source.

* Delete as you feel appropriate