The Italian soccer federation became the latest in a growing list of nations to withdraw its support for embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino has come under increasing pressure to step down over his now-aborted plan to sell stakes in soccer’s biggest tournament, the World Cup, to private equity investors. Because of “the recent initiatives promoted by the FIFA president concerning governance and the development of international competitions, the FIGC issued a statement on Wednesday saying it would no longer back Infantino’s bid for reelection in March.
Three of the sport’s continental confederations accused him of “deception” and European soccer body UEFA threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions.
Growing Discontent Among European Soccer Federations
FIGC President Giovanni Malago emphasized the importance of collaboration with UEFA and other European federations to foster a soccer environment rooted in merit, solidarity, sustainability, and fan engagement.
Recent developments have seen the soccer federations of England, Wales, and Ireland withdraw their backing for Gianni Infantino’s reelection as FIFA President. Norway has taken a stronger stance, calling for his resignation. Alongside Norway, five other Nordic countries—Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and the Faeroe Islands—released a statement expressing their loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
