Infantino Attends U-20 Women’s World Cup as Pressure Over Aborted Commercial Plan Persists

On September 5, FIFA president Gianni Infantino arrived at the Katowice stadium for the opening match of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup between host nation Poland and Argentina. He was seen in the stands with Polish Football Association president Cezary Kulesza. Infantino declined to comment on whether he will seek a fourth term in 2027 when questioned by reporters.

The Straits TimesSouth China Morning PostThe Independent

In July, shortly after the senior World Cup, Infantino’s proposal for a $20 billion commercial subsidiary—intended to control FIFA’s tournament rights—was disclosed by *The Times*. The plan called for a 20 % investor stake led by a New York fund created by Joshua Kushner, with an upfront offer of $20 million to each of FIFA’s 211 member federations and a mid-September deadline for acceptance. After intense opposition from several national associations and senior FIFA officials, the proposal was withdrawn within four days.

The Independent

Infantino told Sky News upon arrival, “There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this. It’s not today, it’s not here, but here and today, we are enjoying football.” He offered no indication about resignation or future candidacy.

The Straits Times

FIFA filed a court submission accusing UEFA of running a “smear campaign” as the European body seeks discovery related to the FIFA Forward Enterprise (Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE)) venture. European nations—representing a quarter of the 24-team tournament field—reversed a threatened boycott after FIFA assured them the spin-off would not be revived. Multiple national federations have called for Infantino’s resignation, and Europe is playing a leading role in efforts to remove him before the 2027 FIFA election.

The Independent

• “There will be a lot to say, but there will be a right place and a right time to say this. It’s not today, it’s not here, but here and today, we are enjoying football,” — Gianni Infantino, opposition fifa president (spoken at the Katowice stadium)

The Independent