The Italian Football Federation has joined a growing number of countries withdrawing support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. In a statement, the FIGC announced it would no longer endorse Infantino’s reelection bid in March due to concerns about recent FIFA governance and international competition development initiatives.
Infantino has faced mounting pressure to resign following his failed proposal to sell shares in the World Cup to private equity investors. Three continental confederations accused him of deception, and UEFA threatened to boycott FIFA events. FIGC President Giovanni Malagò stated that they will collaborate with UEFA and other European federations to advocate for a soccer model based on merit, solidarity, sustainability, and fan engagement.
The football federations of England, Wales, and Ireland had previously withdrawn support for Infantino, with Norway also urging him to step down. Nordic countries such as Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and the Faeroe Islands expressed a lack of confidence in his leadership. Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, was expected to be reelected without opposition next year in Morocco before facing backlash over his proposals. FIFA has set a deadline of November 18 for potential challengers to announce their candidacy.
While some member federations back Infantino, including 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco, Qatar, where he previously resided during the 2022 World Cup, and Lebanon, which granted him citizenship this year, others like Saudi Arabia, the 2034 host, have not publicly supported him despite their close ties.
