Is Gianni Infantino’s time up as Fifa president? - The Latest

In this episode of The Guardian's 'Today in Focus', the hosts delve into the turmoil surrounding FIFA President Gianni Infantino after his abrupt reversal of a scheme to sell parts of the World Cup to private equity. Oliver Laughlin, a Guardian sports writer, expresses skepticism about the news, emphasizing that such controversies are par for the course in FIFA's long history of scandal. The conversation highlights a growing backlash against Infantino and FIFA's practices, with UEFA threatening to boycott future World Cups and numerous federations considering backing a challenger to Infantino.

The hosts also discuss Infantino's attempts to rally support, including reaching out to Donald Trump, which Laughlin deemed comical given the political climate. The potential candidates for the FIFA presidency are mentioned, including Victor Montaliano from Canada and Nasser Al-Khalifi of Qatar. Ultimately, the episode questions whether Infantino can survive this crisis and what it means for the future of football and its governance. The hosts lament the delayed reaction of fans and critics to FIFA's ongoing issues, thereby acknowledging the need for more consistent pressure to hold the organization accountable.