The Italian soccer federation has joined other nations in withdrawing its backing for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The FIGC announced on Wednesday that it no longer supports Infantino’s reelection bid in March due to recent FIFA governance and competition development initiatives.
Infantino faced criticism for his now-abandoned proposal to sell shares of the World Cup to private equity investors, leading to pressure for him to resign. Three continental confederations accused him of deceit, 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. They emphasized the importance of dialogue, listening, and shared responsibility in soccer’s growth and preservation.
Several soccer federations, including those of England, Wales, Ireland, and Norway, have withdrawn their support for Infantino. Despite initial expectations of an uncontested reelection for Infantino in Morocco next year, FIFA has set a deadline for potential challengers to nominate by November 18.
While some member federations back Infantino, including 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco and Qatar, where he previously resided, others like Norway and five Nordic countries have expressed a loss of confidence in his leadership. Saudi Arabia, the 2034 World Cup host, has not publicly endorsed Infantino despite their close political ties.
UEFA is anticipated to retract its boycott threat against FIFA competitions after receiving 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.
Infantino’s proposal for a $20 billion subsidiary controlling FIFA commercial rights, involving private investors, was met with widespread criticism and led to UEFA’s initial boycott threat. Following the backlash, UEFA sought guarantees that the plan would not resurface in a different form, which have now been provided.
On August 1, UEFA expressed a lack of confidence in Infantino’s leadership, signaling its intention to oppose his reelection next year.