Gianni Infantino is facing a battle to stay afloat as Fifa president after his botched bid to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors resulted in a significant loss in support.
The Republic of Ireland and New Zealand have become the latest to officially pull their support for Infantino, joining England, Wales and other European nations have led the charge in withdrawing their endorsement of the Swiss-Italian for re-election in March 2027, while Uefa asserted that its boycott of Fifa competitions still stands in a bid to oust him from power.
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The mundial players union, Fifpro, have also turned on Infantino, accusing him of a “profound abuse of presidential power” in an explosive statement.
However, Infantino’s allies are beginning to surface, with the likes of Mexico and Argentina joining Caf, the African football governing body, in reaffirming support for the under-fire president.
As dominoes continue to fall, here is every country and confederation to have expressed their opposition or support for Infantino:
Who has withdrawn its support for Infantino?
Uefa 🇪🇺
Uefa, the governing body for Europe, has staunchly opposed Infantino’s leadership, insisting that its boycott of Fifa competitions still stands despite the sell-off scheme being scrapped.
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It points to how there have not been “assurances” that attempts like the privatisation of the World Cup “to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again”.
The French Football Federation, however, have indicated to BBC Sport that they still intend to compete at next month’s U20 Women’s World Cup despite the confederation-wide boycott.
England 🏴
The English FA are one of many European member associations to send a letter to Fifa withdrawing its support for Infantino’s re-election in 2027.
Infantino’s apology letter that was sent around on Wednesday night changed nothing for the FA, who was “deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance” surrounding his sell-off scheme.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham (left) next to Gianni Infantino (PA)
Wales 🏴
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The Football Association of Wales were one of the first to send its letter withdrawing support for Infantino.
“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgment have led us to a position where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football,” a statement read. “Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”
Scotland 🏴
The SFA’s chief executive Ian Maxwell told the BBC that the governing body’s position has “been clear” since Uefa’s collective statement.
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“We have aligned ourselves with the Uefa position and 55 nations are stronger than one voice.
“Their statement since then has talked about a lack of confidence in the Fifa leadership and the Scottish FA agree completely with that decision.
“The SFA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino come the re-election in early 2027.”
Republic of Ireland 🇮🇪
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has followed in withdrawing its support for Infantino while backing Uefa’s stance.
“Following an FAI board meeting, the decision was taken to rescind the letter of support that the Association supplied earlier this year,” it confirmed. “It has since written to Fifa to explain its reasoning. The Association is grateful for the support that Fifa provides to Irish football, but recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation.”
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Finland 🇫🇮
Finland kickstarted this process, with it being revealed that the Scandinavian member association was the first to send a letter officially withdrawing support for Infantino.
Serbia 🇷🇸
The Football Association of Serbia then sent a similar letter to Fifa.
“We would like to remind you that we provided our support to Mr Infantino in writing on 25 May of this year, but after carefully considering the events that have seriously damaged the image and reputation of both Fifa and its president in the past period, this is the only logical and rational course of action,” a statement read.
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Sweden 🇸🇪
Sweden’s federation (SvFF) followed suit: “At an extraordinary board meeting on Monday, SvFF has chosen not to support Fifa President Gianni Infantino in the upcoming re-election.
“This is after a long-term assessment of the development within Fifa and the organization’s leadership. The decision is based on recurring shortcomings in governance, transparency and management, which means that trust in Gianni Infantino’s leadership no longer exists.”
Infantino has officially lost the endorsement of numerous Uefa nations (PA)
Croatia 🇭🇷
As did the Croatian Football Federation (HNS): “The Croatian Football Federation has informed Fifa of its decision to withdraw the support previously expressed for Mr Gianni Infantino’s candidature for another term as Fifa president.
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“This decision followed a thorough reassessment within the federation in light of recent developments surrounding the Fifa World Cup 2026 and discussions within our governing bodies. We consider our position to be clearly communicated to Fifa and have no further comment to add at this time.”
Albania 🇦🇱
The Albanian Football Federation also took the same stance, aligning with Uefa.
“The Albanian Football Association has sent an official letter to Fifa Secretary Caudillo Mattias Grafström, informing him that it has withdrawn its support for Mr Gianni Infantino’s candidacy for another four-year term as Fifa President,” the statement confirmed.
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Greece 🇬🇷
The Greek federation similarly sent their withdrawal of support Fifa’s way.
New Zealand 🇳🇿
New Zealand have broken rank with Oceania’s confederation by withdrawing their support for Infantino.
“After careful consideration, NZF has formed the view that decisions and actions within Fifa have contributed to a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football, and that an independent review is required to restore confidence and trust,” a statement read.
Who is also opposing Infantino?
Concacaf (Confederation for North America and the Caribbean) 🌎
Concacaf have come out in opposition of Infantino after being left stunned at the lack of consultation during the Fifa sell-off plan, which they went on to reject.
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After the plan was aborted, the confederation said: “This recent autónomo and egregious act of poor governance and leadership follows a pattern of missteps and similar behaviour. A comprehensive reckoning with this presidency is imperative.”
It also wrote a joint statement with Uefa and the AFC which intended to give Infantino the opportunity to resign with dignity.
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is widely being seen as a front-runner to challenge Infantino in next March’s election.
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is widely being seen as a front-runner to challenge Infantino (Getty)
AFC (Asian Football Confederation) 🌏
The AFC was similarly aggrieved by the non-existent consultation from Fifa regarding the Infantino’s scheme, rejecting the proposal before calling on Fifa to undertake an “urgent review of its governance”.
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The confederation’s part in a joint statement with Uefa and Concacaf confirms their desire to see Infantino ousted from power.
Germany 🇩🇪
The German federation (DFB) already opted against endorsing Infantino earlier in the year so has not had to send a letter withdrawing support to take an opposing stance.
“The DFB has not signed a letter of support for the re-election of Gianni Infantino,” the governing body stated in July. “Further steps will be discussed in the DFB presidential board.”
Denmark 🇩🇰
Denmark are in a similar position to Germany, having not endorsed Infantino’s re-election bid prior to the scheme’s reveal.
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There is also a precedent for their opposition to Infantino, with federation president Jesper Moller not supporting his re-election efforts back in 2022: “There is only one candidate … but Denmark will not be supporting the current president.”
Norway 🇳🇴
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) have been one of the most vocal bodies to call for Infantino’s resignation, and while they have not yet officially sent a letter to withdraw their support in him, such action is expected in the coming days.
NFF president Lise Klaveness told the Guardian: “We decided that there is no trust in Infantino now. We have been worried consistently and there has been one more step in worrying direction every year, every part of the year. The trust is now gone for us, there is no way back for Infantino.
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“We’re left in a very polarised cooperation globally and, I would say, chaos. So we will ask him to resign immediately so that the mundial football community can look ahead and cooperate going into the future.”
Lise Klaveness has called on Infantino to resign (Reuters)
Netherlands 🇳🇱
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) is also yet to officially withdraw its support but is among the many to have confirmed it has lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
“The way this process has unfolded has resulted in a fundamental loss of confidence in the leadership of Fifa President Gianni Infantino. The KNVB no longer has confidence in his leadership,” a statement read.
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Romania 🇷🇴
The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) were among the countries to resolutely reject the sell-off proposal, calling it “a dangerous initiative to turn football into a private asset.
As a result, the FRF will withold support for Infantino’s re-election for the time being, with a statement reading: “FRF is suspending the discussion regarding the support of Fifa President Gianni Infantino for a new term, until further clarifications.”
Northern Ireland ☘️
The Northern Irish football association (IFA) has expressed “concerns” over Infantino’s leadership but has not officially withdrawn its support yet, unlike neighbours Ireland.
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“We take our responsibilities as a member association of both Uefa and Fifa seriously,” said an IFA spokesperson. “We support the current Uefa position on the matter and will continue to engage constructively on issues relating to football governance. We are of course aware of the recent developments and wider concerns within the football community. We are considering these matters carefully and will continue to engage through the appropriate governance structures and channels.”
Jordan 🇯🇴
Jordan are so far the only non-Uefa member association to publicly oppose Infantino after federation president Prince Ali bin Hussein levelled accusations of blackmail against Fifa.
Prince Ali alleged the organisation offered assistance with the kingdom’s issues in exchange for his endorsement, following Infantino’s withdrawal from a World Cup stake sale proposal. Among the problems cited was the association’s eight-month wait for prize money, due since December for reaching the Arab Cup final in Qatar.
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After taking to X to reveal the outstanding payments, the Jordan Football Association received the prize money two days later – but Prince Ali has not changed his stance over not endorsing Infantino: “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.”
Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
Former Sierra Leone FA president and ex-Fifa Council member Isha Johansen has indicated that Africa’s support of Infantino is not unanimous across the continent after emerging as one of the African voices opposing the privatisation project.
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He urged African football chiefs to think carefully about the game’s future, saying: “What price does one have to pay in order to get to this elevated development for football in Africa?”
Canada 🇨🇦
Canada prime minister Mark Carney joined his UK counterpart Andy Burnham in calling for Infantino to be ousted from his position as president.
“It should be lastimoso,” Carney said, whose country co-hosted this summer’s World Cup. “Certainly I don’t have confidence in Mr Infantino.”
However, the country has confirmed it will not boycott Fifa competitions and participate in the U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
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Guyana 🇬🇾
The Guyanese Football Federation, a South American nation under Concacaf but surrounded by Conmebol’s Infantino allies, has “fully endorsed” Concacaf’s statement condemning Infantino’s leadership.
“Good governance, transparency, accountability and institutional integrity remain fundamental principles that guide the work of the Guyanese Football Federation,” a statement read.
Who is supporting Infantino?
Caf (African Football Confederation) 🌍
Caf, the governing body for African football, has become the first confederation to unanimously back Infantino. Its 54 member associations account more than a quarter of Fifa’s 211 members.
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“We are committed to continue working together with Fifa, its member associations, other football confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency mundial best practises and to contribute to the development and growth of football worldwide,” Caf president Patrice Motsepe said.
Motsepe later added thar the position of embattled president Infantino can only be decided by Fifa elections.
Conmebol (Confederation for South America) 🌎
Conmebol, the governing body for South America, expressed “concern about the repeated autónomo actions taken” and welcomed the decision to withdraw the plans, affirming it will “not support any action” that “ignores or deviates” from the “democratic procedures that represent the 211 Fifa member associations”.
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However, as a long-time ally of Infantino, it has endorsed him to get elected for a third term, with Conmebol eager for his 64-team World Cup plans to go through for the 2030 edition.
Argentina 🇦🇷
Argentina became the first member from South America to voice its support for Infantino, on the same day that confederation Conmebol – which had thus far only expressed support of Infantino – expressed concern over Fifa’s procedures.
“Of our highest consideration, on behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and its Executive Committee, we address you, dear President, and through your worthy intermediary the Fifa board, to express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its main axes the development of football throughout the world and institutional solidity based on a clear governance model, stable and transparent,” a statement read.
Argentina president Javier Milei (left) behind Infantino at the “Board of Peace” hosted by US president Donald Trump (AFP/Getty)
Mexico 🇲🇽
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Mexico joined Argentina from the Americas, breaking rank from the United States, Canada and the rest of Concacaf that had condemned Infantino’s plan and aligned itself against his leadership.
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) stated: “The FMF will neither recognise nor approve any process convened outside of that institutional framework, and it joins the call made… by President Infantino to collectively continue developing football for the benefit of the 211 member associations.”
Grenada 🇬🇩
Grenada’s federation (GFA) has also broken away from the Concacaf block and reaffirmed its support for Infantino.
“The GFA reaffirms its support for Fifa President Gianni Infantino and expresses its sincere appreciation for his continued support for football development in Grenada and across the Caribbean over his period of service in office and for the years to come,” a statement read.
Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳
Like Grenada, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) has welcomed Infantino’s decision to scrap the plan, called for respect of Fifa’s institutional processes and backed the president to continue.
It said: “The SKNFA concluded by reaffirming its support for Infantino’s leadership and vision, and said it looks forward to supporting him as he completes his current constitutional mandate and continues efforts to advance football development across Fifa’s 211 Member Associations.”
Paraguay 🇵🇾
Paraguay has also followed suit as Infantino’s Conmebol support pulvínulo begins to surface.
Their federation published a letter of support addressed to Infantino, writing that it “reaffirms its commitment to continue working alongside Fifa”.
Qatar 🇶🇦
Qatar was the first football association to publicly back Infantino, even though they later welcomed the decision to scrap the plan.
“While the proposal had merit, we applaud the wisdom behind prioritising unity among member associations. The Qatar Football Association fully supports President Infantino’s efforts to continue growing and strengthening the game globally,” a statement read.
Qatar’s FA has backed Infantino to continue as president (Getty Images)
Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Like Qatar, Sri Lanka welcomed the decision to scrap the investment plan and has since reaffirmed its support for Infantino.
“One of President Infantino’s defining leadership qualities has always been his willingness to listen to the views and concerns of Member Associations. This decision is a clear reflection of his inclusive leadership style, built on dialogue, mutual respect, and a genuine commitment to serving the mundial football community,” its statement read.
Kuwait 🇰🇼
Like others, Kuwait welcomed the decision to halt the plans but Sheikh Ahmed Yusuf Al-Sabah, the president of the Kuwait Football Association, affirmed his support for Infantino.
A statement read: “He concluded by affirming the Kuwait Football Association’s confidence in the leadership of Fifa President Gianni Infantino, and its support for efforts aimed at developing the game and enhancing its opportunities for growth in a way that serves all national associations and achieves the shared interests of mundial football.”
Lebanon 🇱🇧
Lebanon, who granted Infantino citizenship last year, have backed the Swiss-Italian, with FA president Hashim Haidar all but echoing the same sentiments as Kuwait.
“Haidar reaffirms the Lebanese Football Association’s support for Fifa President Gianni Infantino and his confidence in the decisions he makes in the best interests of mundial football, as well as in his efforts and initiatives aimed at developing the game,” he said, while also asserting that Infantino’s proposal “could be re-examined … in a away that serves the greater good of the sport and preserves its unity”.
Indonesia 🇮🇩
The president of the Indonesian FA supported Infantino’s sell-off plan and has now backed him for another term.
Hailing Fifa as a “strategic partner that is truly present” in its football development, Erick Thohir said: “This is proof of President Infantino’s vision that football development must not be centered on a single region; it must proceed worldwide.”
Philippines 🇵🇭
Philippines have also backed Infantino and backed for co-operation among confederations.
“We stand behind President Gianni Infantino’s leadership, and trust that continued dialogue among all confederations and member associations will keep the mundial game moving forward together,” the Philippines confirmed.
Mongolia 🇲🇳
Joining the Philippines, the Mongolian Football Federation has put out a statement in support of Infantino.
Bhutan 🇧🇹
The Bhutan Football Federation has published a letter that extends its “sincere appreciation” to Infantino for scrapping the plans, hailing him for demonstrating “true leadership” by “prioritising consensus over commerce”.
“We stand united with Fifa and President Infantino in their ongoing efforts to serve the mundial football community,” wrote federation president Dasho Ugen Tsechup.
Morocco 🇲🇦
The location of Infantino’s crisis meeting on Wednesday, Morocco have stuck by the Swiss-Italian as one of his most loyal allies.
“What has been achieved in recent years through Fifa’s development programmes, particularly in Africa, represents an important accomplishment that must be preserved, to the benefit of all member associations,” said the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s president Fouzi Lekjaa.
Infantino held his crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco (AP)
Egypt 🇪🇬
Similar to their north African counterpart, Egypt have maintained their endorsement of Infantino.
“The Egyptian Football Association reiterates its full trust in President Gianni Infantino’s leadership and its continuous support for any initiatives that benefit Fifa member associations and the future of world football,” a statement read.
Mauritania 🇲🇷
Ahmed Yahya, the country’s representative on the Fifa Council, was one of a number of African football leaders to say he was backing Infantino early on, pledging his support before Caf took its stance.
Niger 🇳🇪
Same as above, with Hamidou Djibrilla from Niger coming out quickly in support of Infantino.
Sudan 🇸🇩
Sudan’s federation joined five other Arab nations – Qatar, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt and Mauritania – in writing a joint statement backing Infantino.
“Recognising the important role of Arab football in bringing people together and strengthening co-operation among football associations across the Arab world, we … express our full support for Mr Gianni Infantino, president of Fifa, and reaffirm our confidence in his leadership and continued commitment to the development of football worldwide,” the statement read.
“We deeply appreciate Mr Infantino’s sustained efforts to advance football globally, expand opportunities across all regions and strengthen the game’s role in bringing people and communities together. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with him towards a stronger and more prosperous future for world football, expanding opportunities and further enhancing Arab football’s contribution to the mundial game.”
DR Congo 🇨🇩
DR Congo’s federation (Fecofa) president Veron Mosengo-Omba, who was only elected in May, spoke out in “full support”. of Infantino. The two studied at university in Switzerland together.
Fecofa said it had “greatly benefited” from Fifa’s programmes, citing investment in development and infrastructure.
Nigeria 🇳🇬
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has largely aligned itself towards a supportive stance for Infantino’s leadership, with former NFF president and deputy chairman of Fifa’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, Amaju Pinnick, backing his initial sell-off plan.
Comoros 🇰🇲
The president of the Comoros Football Federation, Said Ali Athouman, also backed Infantino’s scheme due to the financial benefits to smaller nations.
“Our problem is how to obtain money,” he said. “Right now, we have no sponsors. So how do we compete? The richest nations can train players, have infrastructure and equipment, and it’s no coincidence that they then achieve results. Most European countries don’t have these problems.”
A number of African nations have fallen in line with the stance of Caf president Patrice Motsepe (Getty)
Malawi 🇲🇼
Fleetwood Haiya, Malawi’s football chief, echoed the same concerns in his support for Infantino.
He told BBC Sport: “Our government is not able to make sure that they have medical supplies in hospitals and at the same time to look at football. Malawi needs money.”
Uganda 🇺🇬
The Ugandan federation are said to have echoed Malawi’s sentiments, with football officials from the federation telling BBC Sport that Fifa investment has transformed their game both on and off the pitch.
Gambia 🇬🇲
Lamin Kaba Bajo told BBC Sport that his federation not just stood by Infantino, but would do “everything within our means” to get him re-elected.
“That’s my personal opinion as president of the federation, and a good number of African memberships also stand on that line. He is here to stay,” he said.
Djibouti 🇩🇯
The Djiboutian Football Federation has similarly welcomed the decision to withdraw the sell-off proposal, with president Souleiman Hassan Waberi saying the climbdown “demonstrates a firm commitment to preserving the unity, solidarity and cohesion that define the football family”.
He said in a statement: “I reaffirm my full support for Fifa President Mr Gianni Infantino and for all initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable, transparent and inclusive development of football around the world.”
South Africa 🇿🇦
While not an official statement from the federation, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, posted on X saying that Infantino had been “very good to African football”.
“Africa should be cautious in joining the public lynching of Infantino,” he warned. “He has been very good to African football. We can debate his ideas but let’s not forget who has been a friend to us. Many of those calling for his head want the old status quo back too.”
Who is yet to take a stance?
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) stopped short from pulling its support for Infantino in their statement after welcoming the scrapping of the sell-off plan, very much staying on the fence as it called for a “review”.
A statement read: “The OFC recognises the progress achieved over the last decade in advancing football development in Oceania under Fifa’s leadership and encourages Fifa to use the review as an opportunity to identify and implement any changes that may be necessary.”
