**Title: European Leagues President Critiques FIFA's Infantino Over Failed Commercial Rights Plan**
**Date: August 2, 2026**
In a recent statement, Claudius Schafer, president of the European Leagues, expressed serious concerns regarding the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup. Schafer's remarks come in the wake of widespread backlash from various regional football associations, leading to questions about Infantino's future in the role.
Schafer, who also serves as the chief executive of the Swiss Football League, indicated that the fallout from the failed proposal could have significant implications for Infantino's position. In an interview with the Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung, he stated, “When I saw how this whole thing unfolded and that FIFA’s key bodies weren’t involved, then there’s essentially only one consequence in any company or association.” This pointed statement suggests that Infantino's unilateral approach to the proposal has eroded trust among FIFA's governing bodies.
The plan, which aimed to maximize profits through expanded competitions, faced immediate criticism from regional confederations, including UEFA and CONCACAF. Schafer noted that the proposal seemed to prioritize financial gains for external parties while neglecting the broader implications for the sport, stating, “It’s solely about the financial advantages; everything else is completely ignored.” He further highlighted concerns that such changes would lead to an increase in matches, exacerbating an already congested international calendar and negatively impacting national leagues.
The European Leagues, representing 53 professional men’s and women’s football leagues across Europe, have been vocal in their opposition to initiatives that threaten the integrity of national championships. Schafer emphasized that the lack of communication regarding the plan, even from the FIFA Council, was particularly alarming. “Nobody knew about the plans, not even the FIFA Council, the governing body of FIFA. I was very surprised that the president was acting completely alone in this matter,” he remarked.
Infantino announced the abandonment of the controversial plan on Friday, following the mounting criticism and loss of confidence from regional confederations. The situation raises questions about the future direction of FIFA under Infantino's leadership. Schafer's comments reflect a growing sentiment among European football stakeholders that a reevaluation of leadership may be necessary to restore trust and stability within the organization.
As the football community continues to grapple with the implications of this incident, the focus will likely shift to how FIFA will address the concerns raised by its member associations and what steps will be taken to ensure greater transparency and collaboration moving forward. The coming weeks may prove crucial for Infantino as he navigates the fallout from this debacle and seeks to reaffirm his leadership role within the global football landscape.