Fifa president Gianni Infantino has triggered a rare wave of criticism after putting forward a new idea that many in football have rejected. According to HBL, the reaction has been strong enough to shift attention from the proposal itself to Infantino’s standing.

The backlash has made his position look less secure than before. Football often tolerates a great deal, but this time the response has been notably harsher than usual.

The episode underlines how quickly support can weaken around one of the sport’s most powerful figures. HBL reports that the proposal has prompted renewed questions about how firmly Infantino is really in control.