FIFA chief calls emergency meeting in Morocco

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called an emergency meeting with the international body's top leadership in Morocco on Wednesday as he faces mounting pressure following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights.

The FIFA chief has been under intense criticism since floating the proposal to sell 20 percent of a new commercial entity overseeing competitions including the World Cup to private investors to raise up to $4.2 billion. The plan also drew controversy over the involvement of a company with links to US President Donald Trump's family.

Infantino was forced to abandon the plan on Friday after fierce resistance from stakeholders. But the criticism has not subsided. European football body UEFA has openly declared it no longer has confidence in Infantino's leadership. His prospects of securing a fourth term in the March FIFA Congress in Morocco have now come under increased scrutiny.

Several European football associations have already withdrawn their support for Infantino. A bigger blow has come from within FIFA itself. Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom described the events surrounding the controversial plan as a "sad and reproachable series of events" in an internal message.

Earlier, FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour also said staff had been "deceived" about the plan and that it was "the project of one person". Infantino's close adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned over the plan, while FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger distanced himself from it, saying its withdrawal was "absolutely necessary".

In this context, Wednesday's meeting in Sale, near Rabat, is seen as critical for Infantino. The first agenda is likely to focus on how he can at least survive until the March election. If 43 or more FIFA member associations make a formal written request, an Extraordinary Congress could be called, which could lead to a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have taken positions against Infantino's leadership. A report in The Times claimed these bodies may even consider paralysing FIFA and organising their own competitions if Infantino refuses to resign.

However, Infantino still has significant support bases in Asia and Africa. Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Indonesia have already declared their loyalty to him.