A failed bid to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights has left Gianni Infantino's leadership in serious jeopardy, according to the head of Europe's professional football leagues. Claudius Schaefer, who leads an organisation representing 53 men's and women's leagues, told Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung that there could be "only one consequence" for the FIFA president after the plan sparked widespread outrage. Main Developments The proposal, which was abruptly scrapped on Friday after a fierce backlash, involved selling a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup. Schaefer said the plan suggested FIFA's primary focus was maximising profits for third parties through more and larger competitions. Regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF issued statements on Saturday saying they had lost confidence in Infantino's leadership. Schaefer, who also serves as CEO of the Swiss Football League, stressed that the plan was pushed forward without the knowledge of key governing bodies. Read also: Why West Indies' Test revival is a warning for Pakistan Background Infantino's tenure has been marked by ambitious commercial expansion, but this latest move crossed a line for many in the sport. The FIFA Council, the organisation's governing body, was reportedly left in the dark about the proposed deal, a fact that Schaefer said left him "very surprised." The European Leagues, which Schaefer represents, have long opposed adding more matches to an already congested international calendar. They argue that such expansion harms domestic championships and prioritises financial gain over the health of the game. Why It Matters This crisis strikes at the heart of FIFA's governance and its relationship with regional bodies. If the president can act alone on a major commercial decision without oversight, it raises serious questions about accountability and transparency at football's highest level. The fallout could also reshape the balance of power in global football. With UEFA and CONCACAF openly voicing a loss of confidence, Infantino's ability to lead effectively ahead of the 2026 World Cup is now in serious doubt. What's Next Infantino has yet to respond publicly to the statements from regional confederations or Schaefer's remarks. Whether he can rebuild trust among key stakeholders remains an open question. The coming weeks may see further calls for his resignation or a formal challenge to his leadership. For now, the football world is watching to see if Infantino can weather this storm or if the pressure will force a change at the top.