Gianni Infantino: Division over Fifa president shown in map of support and opposition

Infantino has shown no desire to step down, but there is a chance that his time in charge could be over by the autumn.

That could come to pass if Fifa Council members try to force his resignation at an emergency meeting.

Such a meeting can be called, and must take place within a fortnight, if 19 of the 37 members call for it.

The council is made up of nine members from Uefa, seven from AFC, six from Caf, five from Concacaf, five from Conmebol, and three from Oceania. Also on the panel are Infantino himself and Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom.

Given its makeup, then, this approach is probably unlikely.

Which leaves the possibility of a candidate standing against Infantino next March. Nobody has put their name forward yet, but if the leaders of Uefa, Concacaf, and AFC are serious about toppling Infantino, uniting behind a single candidate is likely their best option.

The deadline for a candidate to announce their intention to stand is November.

Historically, other confederations have been angered by European dominance of football, its competitions and its wealth.

That is perhaps why Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has been consistently mooted as the most likely challenger to Infantino in recent weeks.

The map of votes could change significantly based on who stands.

If AFC president Sheikh Salman were to step forward, for example, there is a chance that could sway some of the associations in Asia that are currently supportive of Infantino towards him.

For now, the global picture remains unclear because of emerging splits within confederations, the potential for key players to declare one way or another in the coming months and the hitherto lack of a clear candidate to challenge Infantino.

What is clear is that Infantino is no longer coasting towards a fourth term, if he clings on that long.