Gianni Infantino's leadership of FIFA has reached a critical juncture. While he celebrates the dawn of a "new era" with the expanded Club World Cup, a growing chorus of voices within the football community is questioning his vision and the direction he is steering the sport.

Infantino has positioned the Club World Cup, launching this Saturday, as a transformative event, comparing it to the inaugural World Cup in 1930. He emphasizes its inclusivity, highlighting the participation of clubs from across the globe and the opportunities it provides for players from nations rarely represented on such a prominent stage. He defends FIFA's ticketing policies, including "dynamic pricing" and student discounts, and assures that security is a top priority. The FIFA president believes the stadiums will be full and the tournament, which secured a global broadcasting deal with DAZN reported to be worth $1 billion, is already an economic success and stressed that all the money generated from commercial deals would be ploughed back into the game.

However, beneath the surface of Infantino's optimistic pronouncements, discontent simmers. Concerns persist regarding fixture congestion and the true value of the tournament, with reports of low ticket uptake in some areas. More broadly, there are growing questions about FIFA's governance and Infantino's leadership style.

One major source of friction is the perception that Infantino prioritizes his own political interests over the needs of the game. The incident where a FIFA Congress was delayed due to Infantino's meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked outrage, particularly from UEFA. UEFA representatives accused Infantino of disrespecting football governance and prioritizing "private political interests."

Furthermore, Infantino has faced criticism for his handling of sensitive social issues. His comments on women's football have been met with strong disapproval. Similarly, his remarks ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar were deemed "degrading, disrespectful and dangerous" by organizations advocating for disability rights. These incidents have fueled concerns about FIFA's commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility under Infantino's leadership.

The financial aspects of FIFA's operations under Infantino's watch have also drawn scrutiny. While he touts the economic success of tournaments like the Club World Cup, questions linger about the transparency and distribution of funds. Ensuring that the money generated from commercial deals is indeed "ploughed back into the game" in a fair and equitable manner is crucial for maintaining trust and fostering sustainable development at all levels of football.

The "response" to Gianni Infantino's leadership is multifaceted. It encompasses concerns about governance, priorities, social responsibility, and financial transparency. While Infantino may be at "his moment" in terms of consolidating power and implementing his vision for FIFA, the pushback from various corners of the football world suggests that his tenure will continue to be met with challenges and demands for greater accountability. The future of football's governance hinges on whether Infantino can effectively address these concerns and foster a more inclusive, transparent, and responsible approach to leading the world's most beloved sport.