Six Arab football federations have declared full confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he faces growing international opposition over a withdrawn $20 billion private investment scheme.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has received a boost in his bid to retain leadership after six Arab football federations declared their full support and confidence in his presidency following a backlash over a failed World Cup investment plan.
The joint endorsement came from 2030 World Cup co-host Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon, and Sudan. Four of the signatories—Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abo Rida, Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, and Mauritanian Football Federation president Ahmed Yahya—serve as FIFA council members. The statement was also signed by Lebanese Football Association president Hashem Haidar and Sudan Football Association president Moatasem Gafar.
In their joint statement, the leaders expressed confidence in Infantino's leadership and appreciated his efforts to advance football globally, stating they look forward to close cooperation for a prosperous future in world football.
Infantino is currently fighting to keep his position after withdrawing a $20 billion proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors. The plan met furious backlash from major governing bodies, including European confederation UEFA, which warned of a boycott of all FIFA games and events. UEFA joined CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation in releasing an open letter calling the scheme a 'fundamental breach of trust' and 'deception.'
The support from Qatar and Lebanon creates a schism in the Asian bloc, placing both federations directly against the stance of the Asian Football Confederation. Meanwhile, opposition continues to mount elsewhere, with the Football Association of Ireland, England, Wales, and New Zealand Football all withdrawing their support for Infantino's re-election, while Northern Ireland backed UEFA's position.
Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is seeking re-election in March in Morocco. FIFA has set a November 18 deadline for potential challengers to step forward.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.