FIFA President Gianni Infantino has survived a week of controversy, including a bribery accusation and a UEFA boycott threat, but his position remains secure for now. UEFA's 55 member associations unanimously voted to boycott FIFA competitions, opposing Infantino's plan to sell off the World Cup, which has since been withdrawn. However, support from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Argentina provides a rare boost to the under-fire Swiss chief.
UEFA Stands Firm
UEFA, led by President Aleksander Ceferin, who boycotted the World Cup final, issued a strong statement on Thursday reaffirming its boycott. The statement read: "UEFA's associations were very clear about the conditions attached to the non-participation in FIFA competitions. First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn, and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again. These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. That position holds."
England's Football Association has withdrawn support for Infantino's re-election, joining Wales, Serbia, Sweden, and Finland in public opposition.
Asia's Concerns
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), with 46 votes, criticized Infantino's plan, stating it was "not consulted by FIFA at any level prior to the public announcement." AFC President Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa wrote: "The AFC notes with great concern and disappointment that it was not consulted by FIFA at any level prior to the public announcement of this proposal, and nor has it received any detailed governance, financial or legal analysis of the proposal and its potential repercussions, which is totally unacceptable."
Jordan's FA, led by Prince Ali bin Hussein, who accused FIFA of "bribery," will not vote for Infantino. Prince Ali stated: "While this is a good development for our players, it does not change the serious concerns we in the football world have regarding the FIFA leadership, nor does it change what our FAs have been subjected to in the past. It is symptomatic of those exact difficulties that we all face, and that are usually linked to the FIFA presidential elections. And it does not change my clear position concerning the leadership of FIFA: my FA and I will not endorse president Infantino, nor will we vote for him."
CONCACAF Divided
CONCACAF, representing North and Central America and the Caribbean, declared a loss of confidence in Infantino. However, Mexico, a 2026 World Cup co-host, has broken rank, with the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) stating: "The FMF supports President Infantino's leadership in continuing to promote the development of football through institutional strengthening."
CAF and Argentina Back Infantino
CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed support for Infantino on Thursday, saying: "For us in Africa, adherence to governance, due process and transparency is crucial and non-negotiable." Motsepe previously affirmed: "I personally support Gianni Infantino. He's not just a good friend, he's a loyal friend. He's loyal to Africa."
CONMEBOL, with 10 votes, released a statement on Thursday confirming it won't back a vote to oust Infantino. Argentina, in a lengthy statement, expressed support for Infantino's leadership, praising his "transparent governance" and "apology" for the withdrawn plan.
Oceania to Decide
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) will hold talks on Wednesday, August 12, to decide its position. New Zealand Football boss Andrew Pragnell called for unity, saying: "There's obviously more power in numbers... Certainly it helps when a confederation acts in unison."
Mirror Football's Verdict
Gianni Infantino is going nowhere for now. UEFA could trigger a vote of no confidence via an extraordinary congress, or follow through on a boycott, which would make Infantino's position untenable. A more realistic outcome is an alternative candidate emerging, with CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani seen as a frontrunner. A FIFA President liked by football fans? Imagine that...
