The Italian Football Federation has joined a growing number of countries withdrawing support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The Federation issued a statement announcing its decision not to back Infantino’s reelection bid in March due to concerns over recent FIFA governance and competition development initiatives.
Infantino faced mounting pressure to resign following his failed proposal to sell shares of the World Cup to private equity investors. Three continental confederations accused him of deception, and UEFA threatened a boycott of FIFA events.
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò emphasized the Federation’s commitment to working with UEFA and other European associations to uphold principles of merit, solidarity, sustainability, and fan engagement in soccer.
In addition to Italy, soccer federations in England, Wales, and Ireland have withdrawn their support for Infantino’s reelection. Norway and several other Nordic countries have also expressed a lack of confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
Despite the backlash, Infantino appeared poised for reelection in Morocco next year until the controversy over his proposals emerged. Some FIFA member federations, such as Morocco, Qatar, and Lebanon, continue to support Infantino, while Saudi Arabia has not publicly endorsed him.
Meanwhile, UEFA is expected to retract its boycott threat against FIFA competitions following assurances that Infantino’s World Cup sell-off plan will not be revived. UEFA’s member federations are convening to address the matter and are likely to clear European teams to participate in upcoming tournaments without disruption.
Infantino’s plan to create a $20 billion subsidiary for FIFA commercial rights was met with widespread criticism and prompted UEFA’s initial boycott threat. However, after the proposal was withdrawn and assurances were given that it would not resurface in a different form, UEFA is now set to end its opposition to FIFA competitions.
The European soccer body had previously expressed a lack of confidence in Infantino’s leadership but now seems inclined to cooperate ahead of the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup and other international tournaments.
