Gianni Infantino faces criticism as expert urges UEFA to challenge FIFA president

Swiss criminal‑law specialist Mark Pieth, former chair of FIFA’s independent Governance Commission, says the European football federation UEFA has the power to confront FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is under heavy criticism in Europe during the 2026 World Cup in North America. Pieth argues that “Die FIFA ist ein institutioneller Verein; jedes Vereinsmitglied kann wählen, absetzen oder sogar jemanden vor Gericht zitieren.” He also claims the FIFA ethics committee exists only on paper and that “Er denkt, über ihm ist nur Gott.” Pieth proposes that UEFA could break away from FIFA, organise its own European championship and even use antitrust law, but notes a lack of unity among European national associations. The statements come amid accusations that Infantino has been influenced by US President Donald Trump and other controversies surrounding the World Cup.