Pressure is mounting on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down following the revelation of alleged behind-the-scenes plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup.

Infantino’s opponents are now threatening to “paralyze” FIFA unless the Italian-Swiss executive resigns, according to UEFA sources cited by the BBC.

Several figures involved in the growing revolt reportedly believe there is “no way back” and that Infantino must leave the presidency of world football’s governing body.

Within UEFA, that view has gained significant traction. The confederation, led by Alexander Ceferin, has lost confidence in Infantino and has formally requested that FIFA preserve all documents related to the process that led to the proposal to create a commercial entity to exploit the FIFA World Cup.

Infantino had sought to sell a 20% stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise for approximately $4 billion to an investment fund controlled by technology investor Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Among the national football associations that have already withdrawn their support for Infantino are Wales and England. Real Madrid and Juventus have also publicly opposed the proposed sale of World Cup commercial rights to private investors.

Until recently, Infantino appeared to have a clear path to re-election at FIFA’s presidential elections, scheduled for March. However, the latest controversy has cast serious doubt over his political future.

To secure another term, Infantino will need the backing of 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.

UEFA controls 55 votes, followed by CAF (54), AFC (46), Concacaf (35), OFC (11) and CONMEBOL (10).

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has already signalled its alignment with UEFA’s position, further strengthening the opposition against the FIFA president.

Meanwhile, FIFA’s ruling Council has the authority to force Infantino to consider stepping down by convening an emergency meeting.

Such a meeting would require the support of 19 of the Council’s 37 members and would take place within two weeks of the request.

The FIFA Council is composed of nine UEFA representatives, seven from the AFC, six from CAF, five from Concacaf, five from CONMEBOL and three from OFC, with Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström completing the 37-member body.