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Gianni Infantino is battling to protect his presidency after reportedly calling a high-level crisis meeting in Morocco to deal with an unprecedented internal revolt. The FIFA president has seen his authority weakened sharply after the collapse of a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Internal revolt and Wenger's intervention

The embattled FIFA chief has called senior staff to the Moroccan capital, Rabat, in an urgent attempt to retain control of world football's governing body, according to The Times. The move came after a remarkable public criticism from Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, who broke ranks to attack the organisation’s strategic direction.

"The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side. I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports," Wenger said in a strongly critical assessment of the leadership. "The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency and integrity."

Blackmail allegations and financial pressure

As Infantino tries to steady his position in Rabat, he is also facing serious allegations from the Middle East. Prince Ali bin Hussein, president of the Jordan FA, has dramatically accused the FIFA president of using blackmail to win political backing.

In a detailed statement on the matter, Hussein said: "For months, FIFA has been refusing to help us... until it was verbally communicated to me during the World Cup that if I endorsed Infantino it would go a long way to helping our FA out. We pride ourselves in Jordan in upholding ethical values. We did not endorse him before and certainly will not now. But the whole situation amounts to blackmail and we refuse to give in to that."

Secretary General slams the 'turmoil'

Infantino's deputy, Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, has likewise voiced his concern in a leaked email to staff. Grafstrom was blunt in describing the mood at FIFA headquarters as a "turmoil" that was hard even to understand.

Grafstrom wrote in the internal message: "We have all been thrown into the middle of a turmoil, which is difficult to comprehend and accept, but, as Secretary General, I urge you to remain focused on what has always united us: serving football and serving our 211 member associations.

"A sad and reproachable series of events - which were thankfully concluded with the FFE project permanently abandoned - for as much as we feel dismayed by them, should not overshadow this reality.

"I assure you that you as members of the administration, you will be defended and safeguarded from the political context we currently experience. You do not need to worry.

"Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue, and that is why we should always keep our professionalism, sense of perspective and composure."

The collapse of the commercial project

At the heart of the crisis is a failed plan to sell stakes in FIFA's most valuable assets, including the World Cup, to private investors. While a group of senior staff reportedly held a management meeting on Tuesday without Infantino, it emerged that almost every official in attendance opposed the proposal. With the president still in Morocco, pressure from UEFA and other confederations is continuing to build, with some now demanding his immediate resignation.