The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has officially withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election campaign, joining a growing chorus of national federations expressing discontent. This move, announced by FIGC President Giovanni Malagò, stems from concerns regarding Infantino's recent proposals related to governance and international competitions, particularly his controversial plan to involve private equity investors in the World Cup. The Italian federation emphasizes its commitment to a vision of football rooted in merit, solidarity, and sustainability, aligning with other European bodies in advocating for dialogue and shared responsibility within the sport.
Infantino, who assumed the FIFA presidency in 2016, had previously been expected to secure re-election without opposition. However, his initiatives, including the contentious proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity, have sparked significant backlash. Three continental confederations have publicly accused him of "deception," and UEFA, the European football governing body, has even threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions. This widespread disapproval has created an unprecedented challenge to Infantino's leadership.
Several national football associations, including those from England, Wales, and Ireland, had already retracted their backing for Infantino earlier this month. Norway went further, explicitly calling for his resignation, and, alongside Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and the Faeroe Islands, issued a joint statement declaring a "loss of confidence" in his leadership. These collective actions highlight a significant shift in sentiment among FIFA's member federations.
Despite the mounting opposition, some of FIFA's 211 member federations continue to support Infantino. Among them are Morocco, a co-host for the 2030 World Cup, and Qatar, where Infantino resided prior to the 2022 World Cup. Lebanon, which granted him citizenship this year, also remains a supporter. Notably, Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup and a nation with which Infantino has close political ties, has not yet publicly declared its stance on his re-election bid. The deadline for challengers to nominate is set for November 18.
The decision by the Italian Football Federation to withdraw its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election reflects increasing dissent within the global football community. The controversy surrounding Infantino's governance strategies and his World Cup investment plans has alienated a significant number of federations, with several European nations openly challenging his leadership. This growing opposition sets the stage for a potentially contested re-election in March, underscoring a period of significant uncertainty for FIFA's future direction.
