The Italian Football Federation has joined the growing number of countries withdrawing their backing for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. In a statement released on Wednesday, the FIGC announced it would no longer support Infantino’s bid for reelection in March due to recent FIFA governance and international competition development initiatives.
Infantino has faced mounting pressure to resign following his now-scrapped proposal to sell shares of 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, “We will collaborate with UEFA and other European federations to advocate for a soccer model based on merit, solidarity, sustainability, and fan-centricity.” He emphasized the importance of dialogue, listening, and shared responsibility in advancing soccer while upholding its core values.
England, Wales, and Ireland’s football federations had already withdrawn support for Infantino’s reelection, and Norway has urged him to step down. Additionally, five Nordic countries expressed a loss of confidence in his leadership.
Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, was previously expected to be reelected unopposed next year. However, some member federations are backing him, including 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco, Qatar, and Lebanon.
UEFA is poised to retract its boycott threat against FIFA competitions after receiving assurances that Infantino’s failed World Cup sell-off plan will not be revived. UEFA’s member federations are meeting in Monaco, where they are likely to end the boycott threat, allowing European teams to participate in the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. France, Spain, England, Italy, Portugal, and Poland have confirmed their participation in the tournament.
Infantino’s proposed $20 billion subsidiary for FIFA commercial rights, including the World Cup, caused widespread outrage, leading to its swift abandonment. UEFA, along with other confederations, expressed strong opposition to the plan. The European body had raised concerns about the potential revival of the spinoff, named FIFA Forward Enterprise, but has now received assurances to the contrary.
UEFA previously expressed a lack of confidence in Infantino’s leadership, signaling its intentions to prevent his reelection in March.