Infantino faces growing FIFA rebellion as key allies withdraw support

In this file photo, FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures as he meets the media at the FIFA World Cup closing press conference in Doha, Qatar. (AP)

LONDON, Aug 3: FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing mounting pressure after the English and Welsh football associations officially withdrew their backing for his presidency, adding to the growing opposition surrounding his leadership.

Before the controversy over his proposed plan to sell a stake in future FIFA World Cup commercial revenues to private investors, the English and Welsh associations had announced their support for Infantino ahead of next year’s presidential election.

According to PA Media, the English Football Association (FA) is expected to contact FIFA to explain its decision, while the Welsh Football Association confirmed its withdrawal of support through an official statement.

Pressure on Infantino has also increased after CONCACAF, which represents 41 football associations across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, called for a comprehensive review of his administration.

UEFA and CONCACAF together represent 96 member associations, strengthening opposition to Infantino’s leadership. Sources told PA Media that CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, a current FIFA vice president, is considering a bid for the FIFA presidency.

Despite the growing criticism, several African and Asian football associations, including Morocco, Egypt and Qatar, have expressed their continued support for Infantino.

The FIFA president is also facing a challenge from members of the FIFA Council who are pushing for an extraordinary Congress meeting, which could potentially become a wider challenge to his leadership.

According to The Guardian, efforts to organize an extraordinary meeting were already underway before the disclosure of Infantino’s abandoned plan to sell stakes in a new World Cup commercial venture.

Some council members are demanding an independent review of FIFA’s decision to lift the suspension of player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, a move that reportedly involved multiple phone conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The FIFA Council, the governing body’s main decision-making authority, includes 37 members: 28 representatives from the six continental confederations, eight vice presidents and FIFA president Infantino.

Under FIFA regulations, 19 council members — representing 50 percent of the body — are required to request an extraordinary meeting.