FIFA’s Infantino under threat of no-confidence vote by regional bodies

World football’s regional powerhouses are discussing whether to move a vote of no confidence as they seek to oust FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to senior figures familiar with the discussions.

UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF are understood to be considering the move, having previously spoken out against Infantino following his proposal to sell private investors a stake in FIFA events, including the World Cup.

“There is no way out,” one source said when speaking to the Reuters news agency on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussions.

“Either he goes the peaceful way and decides not to stand in March or he goes the hard way,” the person said, referring to a possible vote of no confidence.

Under FIFA’s statutes, the FIFA Council can convene an Extraordinary Congress at any time, while the Council is required to call one if at least one-fifth of FIFA’s 211 member associations submit a written request specifying the items they want on the agenda.

An Extraordinary Congress must then be convened within three months, with each attending association holding one vote. FIFA’s statutes contain no specific provision governing a vote of no confidence in its president.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by Al Jazeera.

UEFA has not commented directly on whether a no-confidence vote was under discussion, but has instead referred to its earlier statement that a review of FIFA’s leadership and governance should be “thorough and fundamental” and that “no option should be off the table”.