Azerbaijan opposes UEFA calls for FIFA leadership reform

The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA) has become the only UEFA member to oppose calls for leadership reform at FIFA. While other European national associations have expressed a loss of confidence in current FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Azerbaijan has not supported the collective push for new leadership.

UEFA has stated that institutional reforms alone are insufficient and that FIFA requires new leadership characterized by strategic vision, integrity, and the ability to unite different footballing regions. This tension stems from a dispute over the ‘FIFA Forward Enterprise’ project, an initiative proposed by Infantino to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors. Although the project was abandoned following widespread criticism, UEFA continues to seek significant changes in FIFA's governance.

Gianni Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, intends to run for re-election in March 2027 in Morocco. FIFA has rejected the allegations of mismanagement, accusing UEFA of attempting to influence the upcoming presidential race.