Gianni Infantino is fighting for survival as FIFA president after his failed attempt to sell a stake in future World Cups. The plan, aimed at raising $20 billion, was scrapped last night, threatening his re‑election bid for 2027. In soccer terms, he entered stoppage time with a 3‑0 lead, but a series of reckless decisions has left him one slip away from defeat.

The proposal required 106 votes to pass. UEFA, Concacaf and AFC, representing 143 associations, rejected it, leaving only 68 votes in Africa, South America and Oceania. UEFA’s pledge to boycott all FIFA tournaments unless the plan is abandoned has killed any prospect of the sale moving forward, as a World Cup without Spain, Germany, England and France would be unappealing to potential investors.

Two senior FIFA executives resigned in protest, and the chief operating officer accused staff of being "deceived". Infantino’s grip is loosening, though he still counts powerful allies such as the Qatari royal family, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Whether he can weather the storm before the March 18 Congress in Rabat remains unclear.