Infantino has all the support he needs to sweep to another term leading the world’s most popular sport. That is precisely the problem, critics of his leadership say. But they don’t get to vote.
KIGALI, Rwanda — Presidential politics hardly matter when so many voters want to be Gianni Infantino’s friend.
Watch the soccer officials angle for handshakes and face time in stadium suites and marbled lobbies. See the federation presidents pull Infantino aside to thank him for the latest round of funding he has delivered. Glimpse the leaders from smaller soccer nations congratulate him on his successful effort to expand the men’s World Cup, spinning up more opportunity but also ever more money.