Six Arab Federations confirm support for Infantino as FIFA crisis deepens
Gianni Infantino has received a significant boost from six Arab football federations as opposition to his leadership grows following FIFA’s abandoned private investment proposal.
Six Arab football federations have publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino as pressure over his leadership intensifies.
Qatar, Morocco, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon and Sudan declared their support in a joint statement, praising Infantino’s efforts to develop football globally. Four of the six federation chiefs are also members of the FIFA Council.
The show of support comes after Infantino abandoned a controversial proposal involving private investment in FIFA competitions.
The plan sought to raise billions of dollars by selling a stake in commercial rights, but UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF strongly opposed the initiative and questioned FIFA’s transparency and consultation process.
Infantino’s position has since come under increasing scrutiny, with several national associations withdrawing their backing for his expected re-election campaign.
New Zealand became the latest to change its position, citing a breakdown in trust and calling for an independent review of FIFA’s handling of the investment proposal.
However, the FIFA president continues to retain influential support. The six Arab associations have joined other football bodies, including the Confederation of African Football, in backing Infantino, demonstrating that opposition from major confederations has not yet translated into universal resistance to his leadership.
Infantino is seeking another term as FIFA president at the organisation’s election next March.
With the controversy continuing to divide football’s governing structures, the latest Arab endorsement provides him with an important political boost, although growing concerns over governance and transparency could make the election considerably more contested than previously expected.
