Italian Football Federation Joins Nations in Withdrawing Support for FIFA President

The Italian Football Federation has joined other nations in withdrawing support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The FIGC stated it will no longer endorse Infantino’s reelection bid due to recent FIFA governance initiatives and international competition development. Pressure has mounted on Infantino to resign following his abandoned plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, leading to accusations of deception from three continental confederations and a potential boycott from UEFA. FIGC President Giovanni Malagò emphasized a commitment to promoting soccer based on merit, solidarity, sustainability, and fan engagement. Additionally, England, Wales, Ireland, and Nordic countries have also withdrawn support for Infantino, with Norway explicitly calling for his resignation. Despite initial expectations of an unopposed reelection, FIFA has set a deadline for potential challengers to nominate themselves by November 18. While some member federations continue to support Infantino, including 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco, Qatar, and Lebanon, others like Saudi Arabia have not publicly endorsed him. UEFA is poised to retract its boycott threat against FIFA competitions following assurances that Infantino’s failed World Cup sell-off plan will not be revived. This move will allow European teams to participate in the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup without disruption. The tournament, set to begin on September 5 in Poland, will feature teams from France, Spain, England, Italy, Portugal, and host nation Poland. Infantino faced global backlash after his $20 billion commercial rights subsidiary plan was revealed and subsequently dropped. UEFA, along with other football bodies, condemned the proposal and expressed lack of confidence in Infantino’s leadership. UEFA has now received assurances that the controversial spinoff initiative will not resurface, signaling a shift in its stance towards Infantino’s reelection in March.