European Leagues, representing major competitions like the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, has called for governance reform within FIFA, citing "dangerous" proposals and deep concerns about the governing body's operations. The association described the plan to sell World Cup stakes as "dangerous" and indicative of "serious questions about FIFA's governance, internal culture and decision-making." They emphasized the need for stakeholder involvement in shaping the future of the game and rejected unilateral "disruptive decisions" by FIFA.

This pressure mounts on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, especially after UEFA threatened to boycott the World Cup if he proceeded with controversial plans involving a commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Despite Infantino's withdrawal of the plan, UEFA stated it has lost confidence in FIFA's leadership. Concacaf also voiced concerns that FIFA leadership "stopped putting football first." The situation is exacerbated by divisions within FIFA, with officials like Arsène Wenger and secretary-general Mattias Grafström distancing themselves from the FFE plans, and senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigning.

Former Portugal and Real Madrid star Luis Figo urged Infantino to step down, stating he had "debased the office." These developments precede FIFA elections in March, where Infantino was seeking a fourth term. Reports described a recent "crisis meeting" in Rabat, Morocco, amid expectations of a challenge to Infantino's presidency.