Gianni Infantino's bid for another term as FIFA president has exposed a split among the six confederations that make up world football's governing body. While some are firmly behind him, others are weighing their options or openly considering a challenge.
Backing for Infantino
UEFA, the European governing body, has historically been a strong supporter of Infantino. Its president, Aleksander Čeferin, has praised Infantino's leadership and the financial growth of the sport under his tenure. Similarly, CONMEBOL, the South American confederation, has often aligned with Infantino, benefiting from increased development funds and tournament exposure.
These two confederations control a significant bloc of votes in any FIFA presidential election, giving Infantino a solid foundation. Their support stems from the increased revenues distributed to member associations and the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, which they see as a positive development.
Potential opposition
However, the African Football Confederation (CAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have shown signs of discontent. Some African and Asian officials have expressed frustration over the allocation of World Cup slots and the pace of development projects in their regions. There have been murmurs of a possible alternative candidate emerging from these confederations, although no formal challenger has yet stepped forward.
The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) remain more ambiguous. Their smaller voting blocs could prove pivotal if the election becomes closely contested.
Impact on the election
Infantino's ability to retain the presidency will depend on maintaining the backing of at least a majority of the 211 member associations. With UEFA and CONMEBOL in his corner, he starts with a strong base, but any shift among African or Asian voters could force him to negotiate concessions or face a more competitive race.
The next FIFA Congress, where the election will be held, is expected to take place in 2027. Until then, the maneuvering behind the scenes will likely intensify as confederations assess their interests and the potential benefits of supporting or opposing the incumbent.
