In a new development that increases pressure on Gianni Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election, the Italian Football Federation announced that it would withdraw its support for the FIFA president’s bid for another term, highlighting the growing European opposition to his recent policies. ⚽🔥

The Italian decision comes at a sensitive time, as disagreements over the management of global football and the development of international competitions have developed into a wider dispute between several European football associations and FIFA leadership.

Italy Withdraws Support for Infantino

The Italian Football Federation confirmed that it will not support Infantino’s candidacy in the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027, explaining that its position comes in response to several recent initiatives concerning the governance of international football and the development of its competitions.

The decision represents another setback for Infantino’s efforts to maintain his European support base, particularly because Italy is one of the continent’s most influential national football associations. Its position also clearly aligns with the direction of UEFA and its president, Aleksander Ceferin.

Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Football Federation, said Italy would continue working with UEFA and the other European associations to promote a football model based on merit, solidarity and sustainability, while keeping fans at the heart of the development process.

Growing Disputes in Global Football

The Italian position did not emerge in isolation, as recent weeks have witnessed increasing European opposition to Infantino remaining in office, amid disagreements over FIFA’s management and the way decisions concerning major competitions are being made.

The crisis intensified following the proposal put forward by FIFA leadership to establish a commercial structure that could attract private investment and sell stakes connected to the commercial rights of major competitions, particularly the World Cup.

The proposal triggered widespread opposition in Europe, amid concerns that the involvement of outside investors could affect the way the world’s most important football tournament is managed. As criticism increased, the project was withdrawn, but the decision did not bring an end to the political dispute between UEFA and Infantino.

A Stronger European Position

The Italian federation’s decision comes as part of a series of European positions involving the withdrawal of support for Infantino or calls for a change in FIFA leadership, making the March 2027 election more significant than ever.

At the same time, UEFA appears determined to strengthen coordination among European associations regarding the future leadership of FIFA, while emphasizing the need for a more consultative and transparent model in the management of global football. 📢

However, Italy’s withdrawal of support does not necessarily determine Infantino’s future, as the FIFA president continues to have backing from several associations outside Europe, leaving the upcoming election open to multiple possibilities.

Infantino Faces a Major Test

The latest developments come as Infantino prepares for an important political battle to retain the FIFA presidency, a position he has held since 2016 and for which he has been re-elected on more than one occasion.

The European moves put FIFA’s president before a significant challenge: rebuilding trust among associations that believe the next phase requires greater dialogue and coordination before major decisions are taken.

At the same time, continued support from other football associations could give Infantino a strong opportunity to compete, particularly because the FIFA presidential election is not determined by the European position alone but involves all member associations of the world governing body.

What Awaits the FIFA Election?

As the March 2027 election approaches, the coming period is expected to witness further discussions and negotiations between continental and national football associations, particularly if the forces opposing Infantino succeed in reaching a unified position or supporting a rival candidate.

The decision now rests with the member associations, which will determine their final positions according to their interests and their vision for the future management of global football. ⭐

The Italian move shows that Infantino’s crisis is no longer simply a temporary disagreement over a commercial project, but has developed into a broader debate over how FIFA is governed and who should lead the most influential institution in world football.

With European associations continuing their efforts, fans will be watching the coming months closely to see whether Infantino succeeds in retaining his position or whether the growing opposition leads to a major change in FIFA leadership. 🏆