UEFA vice president urges future FIFA chief to act as sport's unifying custodian

In Rabat, FIFA’s leadership reaffirmed support for Gianni Infantino and issued an apology to the organization’s 211 member associations for mishandling a World Cup investment plan, pledging a review of the flawed processes. UEFA vice president Laura McAllister, speaking to one outlet, argued that any future FIFA president must act as a “custodian of the sport,” capable of uniting football globally rather than serving narrow interests.

She noted that a credible opponent to Infantino would require broad backing across all football federations, not merely European support. McAllister also urged comprehensive governance reforms to modernise the sport’s leadership structures and eliminate fiefdom-style control. Emphasising football’s core values, she said the game should serve everyone—from grassroots to elite, boys and girls, and nations of all wealth levels. Her comments come as scrutiny intensifies over Infantino’s aborted plan to create a commercial subsidiary and sell future World Cup revenue stakes.