Politics
Italy Withdraws Support For Infantino’s FIFA Re-election Bid
Italy’s Football Federation (FIGC) has formally withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election, adding to growing opposition to his leadership from European football associations.
The decision brings the FIGC into line with UEFA and its president, Aleksander Čeferin, amid mounting concerns over recent decisions taken by FIFA concerning the governance and development of international football.
The latest backlash follows the disclosure of plans for FIFA to sell a 20 per cent stake in a proposed commercial rights subsidiary, reportedly valued at $20 billion, to private investors led by Joshua Kushner’s fund.
In a statement, the FIGC said its decision was intended to make its position clear over what it described as recent initiatives promoted by Infantino concerning the governance and development of international competitions.
FIGC president Giovanni Malagò said the federation would continue working with UEFA and other European associations to promote a model of football based on sporting merit, solidarity and sustainability.
“We will continue to work alongside UEFA and the other European federations to promote a vision of football based on merit, solidarity, sustainability and the central role of the fans,” Malagò said.
He added that the FIGC supported a model based on dialogue, consultation and shared responsibility, which he said had allowed football to develop while preserving its fundamental principles.
Italy’s decision further weakens Infantino’s position in Europe ahead of the deadline for nominations for the FIFA presidential election.
England, Wales, Ireland, Serbia and several Nordic countries have also withdrawn their backing or expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
The growing resistance has intensified scrutiny of the FIFA president’s governance approach and his plans for the future commercial and competitive structure of world football.
With several European federations now distancing themselves from Infantino, the FIFA presidential race is set for a potentially contentious contest as the nomination deadline approaches.
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