The Italian Football Federation has joined the growing number of countries withdrawing their endorsement for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The FIGC announced on Wednesday that it will no longer support Infantino’s reelection bid in March due to concerns about recent FIFA initiatives on governance and international competitions.
Infantino has faced mounting pressure to resign after his failed attempt to sell shares of the World Cup to private equity investors. Three continental confederations accused him of deceit, and UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA events.
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò stated, “We will collaborate with UEFA and other European federations to advocate for a soccer model based on merit, solidarity, sustainability, and fan engagement. We believe in open dialogue, listening, and shared responsibility, which have been fundamental in soccer’s growth and preservation of its core values.”
In addition to Italy, soccer federations in England, Wales, Ireland, and Norway have also withdrawn support for Infantino. Despite the backlash, Infantino appeared set for reelection in Morocco next year until the recent controversies emerged. Some FIFA member federations, such as Morocco, Qatar, and Lebanon, continue to back Infantino, while Saudi Arabia has not publicly endorsed him.
UEFA is expected to retract its boycott threat against FIFA competitions following assurances that Infantino will not revive his failed World Cup sell-off plan. UEFA’s member federations are meeting in Monaco to discuss this issue, with a decision expected soon. This development will allow European teams to participate in the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup without disruption.
The controversy surrounding Infantino’s proposal for a $20 billion subsidiary to control FIFA’s commercial rights, including the World Cup, has sparked global outrage. The plan was swiftly abandoned following condemnation from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, along with concerns raised by senior FIFA officials.
With UEFA now satisfied that the sell-off plan will not resurface, the threat of a boycott has been averted. The European soccer body’s lack of confidence in Infantino’s leadership had cast doubt on his reelection prospects for next year’s FIFA presidency.
