FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed that the Mexican Football Federation leave Concacaf and join Conmebol in exchange for its support in the next FIFA presidential election, according to journalist Martín del Palacio.
The Swiss official abandoned a controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors, but he faces increasing pressure in office. Infantino gave FIFA's 211 member federations until September 19 to back a private investment proposal that could provide up to $40 million, or around 207 million reais, in funding to each association.
Infantino considers the vote of the Mexican Football Federation important for his plans to remain at the head of the entity. However, the potential confederation switch would depend on approval from different government levels. In Mexico, the idea is seen favorably, but it would happen only if Infantino remains in charge of the institution.
The proposal comes amid Infantino's growing friction with other confederations. Uefa, Concacaf, and Afc have opposed his initiatives, demanded transparency, and stated that they lost confidence in his leadership. The Mexican federation previously backed Infantino in a joint statement with Conmebol, though the gesture was considered timid given the pressure for his exit.
Sporting impact and logistical challenges
On the sporting side, entering Conmebol would allow Mexico to play major national teams such as Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia more frequently, raising the team's competitive level. However, the move would also create difficulties, mainly due to long travel distances and additional costs.
Mexican club schedules would also need to balance potential competition in the Libertadores and Sudamericana tournaments with national team commitments. Additionally, the Mexican Football Federation would have to renegotiate commercial contracts to make holding Mexico matches in the United States viable.
FIFA presidential election rules and crisis
Before the World Cup, Infantino's re-election for a fourth term at the FIFA Congress, scheduled for March in Morocco, appeared practically guaranteed with no rival candidates on the horizon. The scenario changed radically after three days of crisis, during which even the most loyal confederations expressed outrage over a lack of consultation regarding the proposal and accused Infantino of putting the essence of football at risk.
Although rival candidates are virtually certain to emerge before the presidential election, it may still be too early to rule out Infantino remaining in office if he decides to run. The proposal to sell a stake in the new company was aimed primarily at the 211 voting national federations, many of which depend on FIFA funds to balance their accounts and have benefited from financial distribution policies during Infantino's administration.
To extend his term until 2031, Infantino must secure two-thirds of the votes in the first round or a simple majority in subsequent rounds. According to Dorfman, a show of regret could help the official regain support.
