The Italian Football Federation has joined a growing number of countries withdrawing their backing for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. In a statement on Wednesday, the FIGC announced it would no longer support Infantino’s reelection bid in March due to recent FIFA governance and international competition development initiatives.
Infantino has faced mounting pressure to resign following his failed attempt to sell shares in 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 they would work with UEFA and other European federations to promote a vision of football based on merit, solidarity, sustainability, and fan centrality.
England, Wales, and Ireland football associations previously withdrew their support for Infantino’s reelection, while Norway called for his resignation. Additionally, five Nordic countries expressed a lack of confidence in his leadership. Despite this backlash, Infantino appeared poised for an unopposed reelection in Morocco next year, with a November 18 deadline for challengers to step forward.
While some FIFA member federations continue to support Infantino, including potential 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco and Qatar, others like Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and the Faeroe Islands have expressed doubts. UEFA is expected to retract its boycott threat against FIFA events after receiving assurances that Infantino’s World Cup stake sale plan will not be revived.
The failed proposal, which aimed to create a subsidiary worth $20 billion led by investors like Joshua Kushner, was met with widespread condemnation. UEFA, along with other confederations, opposed the plan and demanded assurances that a similar scheme would not resurface. With UEFA signaling its lack of confidence in Infantino’s leadership, the European soccer governing body is likely to try to prevent his reelection in March.