Small nations hold big cards as FIFA chief Infantino scrambles for support
Gianni Infantino’s hopes of extending his FIFA presidency may rest less on winning back soccer’s traditional powers than on calling in favours from the many small and emerging nations that rely heavily on the world governing body’s largesse.
Infantino is facing the biggest crisis of his decade-long tenure after regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF declared no confidence in his leadership following the abortive proposal to bring private equity into the World Cup.
He confirmed his intention to stand for a fourth term at next year’s Congress in April but the pressure on Infantino may not wait until the election.
Wales on Monday became the first soccer federation to formally withdraw support for Infantino, while European body UEFA confirmed it had written to the 56-year-old Swiss to inform him it was weighing legal action against him regarding the proposal.
Opponents can mount a push to depose him with a vote at an Extraordinary Congress (EC) if 20% of FIFA’s membership of 211 member associations request one in writing.
An EC would need to be held within three months of a request, providing time for rival candidates to emerge.
UEFA, whose 55 member nations voted to boycott all FIFA tournaments if the stake sale went ahead, alone could trigger an EC with a unanimous vote.
But getting a majority of FIFA’s membership to vote Infantino out at the EC may not be an easy task.
Despite vast disparities in wealth, soccer development and influence across the footballing world, all 211 nations have an equal vote.
Rather than smoothing things over with established football giants like France, Spain and England, Infantino’s best chance of clinging to power may rest with members like Bhutan and Vanuatu — emerging nations that have never competed at a World Cup and rely overwhelmingly on FIFA to support their football programmes and participate in international events.
FIFA members have been able to claim up to $3 million for soccer development projects over the course of the 2023-26 World Cup cycle, $1 million more than the previous cycle.
The money is small beer for rich nations with professional teams but vital for football’s have-nots.
The stake sale was always aimed at the latter members, and many have done well under Infantino’s patronage.
VANUATU INFLUENCE
Vanuatu are ranked 160th in the world and sixth among the Oceania confederation teams but their football association head Lambert Maltock has a seat at FIFA’s highest table as one of eight vice-presidents in the body’s Executive Council.
FIFA gave the island nation of about 340,000 people a development grant of $4.15 million to help build a 6,500-seat stadium in the capital Port Vila, which was completed in 2022.
For Vanuatu’s first professional player, Brian Kaltak, Infantino’s backing has been a huge boost for the country and developing nations generally.
“First of all, he gave a chance for our president to be part of FIFA and then with development projects, he’s been trying to grow the game — not just Vanuatu but all third-world countries,” the Perth Glory defender told Reuters on Monday.
“He’s opening up more chances for a team like ours, for nations like ours to make it … It’s been a massive help.”
Similar funding splashes are common across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, where FIFA grants have financed training pitches, gyms and soccer programmes that national associations would otherwise struggle to finance.
For critics, however, that same funding model has reinforced a system in which FIFA trades financial power for political influence, making it difficult to build a coalition to unseat an incumbent president.
Any campaign to remove Infantino may ultimately be a numbers game that extends far beyond Europe’s traditional elite.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Lunch N Rants
Take a minute outside your schedule to have a good laugh and conversations that resonate with you. Welcome to Lunch N Rant podcast where we talk about anything and everything life.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.