FIFA Political Landscape: 124 Nations Oppose Infantino, PSSI Leads Asian Support
Until mid-July, Gianni Infantino appeared set to be easily re-elected as FIFA President for a fourth term. However, the global football political map has changed drastically in just a few weeks. This shift is driven by Infantino’s controversial plan to sell shares of elite FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private entities, a move that has sparked outrage across various football confederations worldwide.
Recent reports indicate that the power balance of FIFA voters is now sharply divided. Approximately 124 nations have openly rejected Infantino, leaving only 73 supporters. Three major confederations—UEFA (Europe), Concacaf (North America), and the AFC (Asia)—have even united to issue a motion of no confidence. Nevertheless, dissent within these confederations is not unanimous. Within the AFC, at least 11 member nations have defected, openly declaring their continued loyalty to the former UEFA Secretary General.
The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has become the first Asian federation to openly stand by Infantino, citing his significant contributions to the development of national football. PSSI’s move has been followed by Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Bhutan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Timor Leste. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, the designated host of the 2034 World Cup, has yet to declare an official position. The outcome of Saudi Arabia’s internal football leadership elections in August is expected to influence the political direction of Middle Eastern nations.
Similar dynamics are occurring within Concacaf, where Mexico has broken from its confederation’s policy to declare full support for Infantino, while the United States and Canada have aligned with Concacaf’s official stance, though they have not explicitly rejected Infantino’s leadership. Conversely, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has maintained neutrality and is expected to release an official statement following an internal meeting this Thursday.
Despite the wave of opposition, Infantino’s position remains relatively stable, supported by a strong base in Africa (CAF) and South America (CONMEBOL), bolstered by billions of dollars in FIFA Forward programme funding. While Infantino shows no indication of resigning, his term could potentially end prematurely this autumn if the FIFA Council convenes an emergency meeting. Under current regulations, such a meeting can be triggered if requested by at least 19 of the 37 FIFA Council members. Given the current composition of the Council, an impeachment via an emergency meeting is considered difficult to realise. Football circles are now awaiting a challenger for the upcoming election in March, with Concacaf President Victor Montagliani rumoured as the strongest candidate to challenge Infantino’s dominance.