The fallout from FIFA's abandoned plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights has escalated into a full-blown leadership crisis, with Europe's top league official declaring that Gianni Infantino's position as president is now untenable. Main Developments Claudius Schaefer, who heads the European Leagues organization representing 53 professional men's and women's leagues, told Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung that there could be "only one consequence" for Infantino following the failed proposal. He argued that in any company or association, pushing a major business deal forward without informing key bodies typically leads to a loss of confidence in the leader. The controversy erupted after Infantino's plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights triggered widespread backlash from regional associations. FIFA officially scrapped the proposal on Friday, but the damage had already been done. By Saturday, both UEFA and CONCACAF had publicly stated they had lost confidence in Infantino's leadership. Read also: Arsenal's Transfer Ambitions: Why Arteta Won't Sit Still Schaefer, who also serves as CEO of the Swiss Football League, criticized the plan for prioritizing financial gains over the sport's integrity. He noted that the proposal seemed aimed at maximizing profits for third parties through more and bigger competitions, while completely ignoring other considerations. Background The plan was developed in secrecy, with even FIFA's own governing body, the FIFA Council, kept in the dark. Schaefer expressed surprise that the president acted "completely alone" on such a significant matter. The proposal would have added more matches to an already packed international calendar, a move that European Leagues opposed because it would harm national championships. This incident adds to growing scrutiny of FIFA's transparency and decision-making processes. The organization has faced repeated calls for reform, and this latest episode has intensified pressure on Infantino's leadership. Why It Matters Infantino's position now appears precarious, with major confederations withdrawing their support. The crisis could undermine FIFA's ability to govern international football effectively, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. Schaefer warned that the failed plan revealed a troubling focus on financial gain at the expense of the sport's broader interests. If Infantino's leadership is deemed unacceptable by key stakeholders, it could trigger a vote of no confidence or even a challenge to his presidency. The situation also raises questions about FIFA's internal governance and whether such decisions should require broader consultation. What's Next Schaefer's comments suggest that European leagues may push for further action. The coming weeks could see formal statements from other member associations or a convening of FIFA's governing bodies to address the crisis. Whether Infantino can restore confidence remains an open question, but the unified stance of UEFA and CONCACAF signals a deepening rift.