“There are grounds for impeachment”: former FIFA deputy Koloskov points out
According to Championat.
Context
Вячеслав Колосков, former vice-president of FIFA, is an influential figure in Russian and international football. His criticism of Джанни Инфантино reflects broader concerns about FIFA's governance, especially as the 2026 World Cup approaches, where issues of ethics and politics could impact the organization's image.
Why this matters
Vячеслав Колосков's statement on the possibility of impeachment of Джанни Инфантино highlights the growing tension between politics and sport at FIFA, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. The suspension of the sanction on Folarin Balogun raises questions about the integrity of FIFA's decisions and the external influence that could compromise the competition. This case could have significant repercussions for the governance of world football and FIFA's credibility.
Main conclusions
- “There are grounds for impeachment”: former FIFA deputy Koloskov points out.
- Vyacheslav Koloskov says there are grounds for the “impeachment” of Gianni Infantino, accusing the FIFA leader of allowing political interference after the suspension of the sanction on Folarin Balogun.
- Вячеслав Колосков remains central to Сборная США's plans.
Vyacheslav Koloskov, honorary president of the Russian Football Federation (RFS) and former vice-president of FIFA, stated that there are “all grounds for impeachment” of Gianni Infantino. In statements cited by the Russian press, the director maintains that the FIFA president violated statutory principles by allowing political interference in sporting matters, following the decision that led to the suspension of the sanction applied to Folarin Balogun, forward of the United States national team, during the 2026 World Cup.
According to Koloskov, Infantino “will not leave his position voluntarily” and has already indicated that he intends to run again in the next elections, but the former FIFA deputy considers that the recent conduct of the organization's top leader has exposed the federation to a situation that, in his opinion, opens the door to a dismissal process. The official also emphasizes that UEFA has taken a “very tough” position, although it considers it insufficient, and that a possible impeachment would only be viable with the broad support of a large number of national federations.
The case that has brought FIFA under scrutiny involves Folarin Balogun. The North American striker was sent off in the 1/16 finals of the 2026 World Cup, against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and was facing a punishment that could rule him out of the next match. However, FIFA decided to suspend the application of the sanction, imposing a probationary period of one year. In this way, Balogun was eligible for the round of 16 clash against Belgium.
According to media reports, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, contacted Gianni Infantino twice about this dossier. This alleged political intervention, always according to the press, is one of the points that fuel Koloskov's criticism, which invokes precisely the principle of independence of sport from politics enshrined in international regulations as a reason for moving forward with a dismissal process.
The controversy erupts in the middle of the 2026 World Cup, a tournament taking place in the United States, Mexico and Canada and which, in the new format with 48 teams, included a round of 1/16 finals before the round of 16. The topic reignites the debate about the imperviousness of disciplinary bodies to external pressure, at a time when decisions can directly influence the progress of the teams in the knockout phase.
Koloskov, a historic figure in global dirigisme, reinforces that any impeachment scenario would require broad alignment within the football family. For now, his statements leave doubts and concerns about FIFA's governance and the balance between sporting justice and behind-the-scenes powers, while the United States prepares decisive commitments on the way to the World Cup. FIFA did not publicly comment, within the scope of this news, on the details of the process involving Balogun, and information on the political contacts mentioned remains attributed to the media sources mentioned.
What happens next
With UEFA taking a firm stance, pressure on Infantino could increase, especially if a significant number of national federations unite in support of impeachment. Folarin Balogun's situation will also be closely monitored, as his eligibility for the 2026 World Cup could influence public opinion and the federations' response. The political scenario surrounding FIFA, including the intervention of figures such as Donald Trump, could continue to be a hot topic in the coming months.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Gianni Infantino?
Vyacheslav Koloskov stated that there are grounds for impeachment of Gianni Infantino due to his conduct in relation to political interference in sporting matters.
Who confirmed the possibility of Infantino's impeachment?
Vyacheslav Koloskov
, former vice-president of FIFA and honorary president of the Russian Football Federation, confirmed the possibility of impeachment.
Why is Infantino's impeachment being discussed now?
The discussion comes after FIFA's decision to suspend the sanction applied to Folarin Balogun, which, according to Koloskov, exposed the federation to a situation that could lead to a dismissal process.
What changes could occur if Infantino is removed?
If Infantino is removed, it could pave the way for new FIFA elections and a possible change in the body's leadership.
What was UEFA's reaction to Infantino's situation?
UEFA has taken a very tough stance on Infantino's conduct, although Koloskov considers it insufficient for impeachment.