Gianni Infantino is facing a battle to cling onto his Fifa presidency heading into next year’s election after his botched bid to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors resulted in a significant loss in support.
England and Wales have been among the football associations to join European governing body Uefa in leading the charge for Infantino’s removal from power, formally withdrawing their endorsement of the Swiss-Italian for re-election in March 2027.
But as the dust has settled on his privatisation ploy, Infantino’s bid for a third term has strengthened. His allies have surfaced, with the likes of Mexico and Argentina joining Caf, the African football governing body, in reaffirming support for the under-fire president, and now the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reversed its position and backed Infantino with AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa underlining that there is “a true understanding between us”.
Infantino needs 106 votes from the 211 member associations to be re-elected as president. Here is every country and confederation to have expressed their opposition or support for Infantino:
Who has formally withdrawn its support for Infantino?
Uefa (55 members) 🇪🇺
Uefa, the governing body for Europe, has staunchly opposed Infantino’s leadership. They threatened a boycott of Fifa competitions before Infantino’s eventual climbdown but has continued to assert that his position is untenable, even taking legal action against the Swiss-Italian.
The body points to how there have not been “assurances” that attempts like the privatisation of the World Cup “to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again”.
More recently, Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis has written to his Fifa counterpart Mattias Grafstrom setting out a series of questions on behalf of European members of the Fifa Council, demanding documents covering a series of Infantino controversies. Fifa has until 2 November to answer these questions.
Concacaf (41 members) 🌎
Concacaf, the Confederation for North America and the Caribbean, came out in opposition of Infantino after being left stunned at the lack of consultation during the Fifa sell-off plan, which they went on to reject.
After the plan was aborted, the confederation said: “This recent unilateral and egregious act of poor governance and leadership follows a pattern of missteps and similar behaviour. A comprehensive reckoning with this presidency is imperative.”
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani was initially seen as a front-runner to challenge Infantino in next March’s election but he now looks set to pursue another term as Concacaf chief.
England 🏴
The English FA are one of many European member associations to send a letter to Fifa withdrawing its support for Infantino’s re-election in 2027.
Infantino’s apology letter that was sent around on Wednesday night changed nothing for the FA, who was “deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance” surrounding his sell-off scheme.
Wales 🏴
The Football Association of Wales were one of the first to send its letter withdrawing support for Infantino.
“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgment have led us to a position where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football,” a statement read. “Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”
Scotland 🏴
The SFA’s chief executive Ian Maxwell told the BBC that the governing body’s position has “been clear” since Uefa’s collective statement.
“We have aligned ourselves with the Uefa position and 55 nations are stronger than one voice.
“Their statement since then has talked about a lack of confidence in the Fifa leadership and the Scottish FA agree completely with that decision.
“The SFA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino come the re-election in early 2027.”
Republic of Ireland 🇮🇪
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has followed in withdrawing its support for Infantino while backing Uefa’s stance.
"Following an FAI board meeting, the decision was taken to rescind the letter of support that the Association supplied earlier this year," it confirmed. "It has since written to Fifa to explain its reasoning. The Association is grateful for the support that Fifa provides to Irish football, but recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation.”
Italy 🇮🇹
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) took a few weeks to take official action but it has now withdrawn its support for Infantino's candidacy in the next Fifa presidential election scheduled.
"This decision is intended to clearly and transparently express the FIGC's position - in full agreement with Uefa and its president Aleksander Ceferin - regarding the recent initiatives promoted by the FIFA president concerning the governance and development of international competitions," FIGC said in a statement.
Finland 🇫🇮
Finland kickstarted this process, with it being revealed that the Scandinavian member association was the first to send a letter officially withdrawing support for Infantino.
Serbia 🇷🇸
The Football Association of Serbia then sent a similar letter to Fifa.
“We would like to remind you that we provided our support to Mr Infantino in writing on 25 May of this year, but after carefully considering the events that have seriously damaged the image and reputation of both Fifa and its president in the past period, this is the only logical and rational course of action,” a statement read.
Sweden 🇸🇪
Sweden’s federation (SvFF) followed suit: "At an extraordinary board meeting on Monday, SvFF has chosen not to support Fifa President Gianni Infantino in the upcoming re-election.
"This is after a long-term assessment of the development within Fifa and the organization's leadership. The decision is based on recurring shortcomings in governance, transparency and management, which means that trust in Gianni Infantino's leadership no longer exists."
Croatia 🇭🇷
As did the Croatian Football Federation (HNS): "The Croatian Football Federation has informed Fifa of its decision to withdraw the support previously expressed for Mr Gianni Infantino's candidature for another term as Fifa president.
"This decision followed a thorough reassessment within the federation in light of recent developments surrounding the Fifa World Cup 2026 and discussions within our governing bodies. We consider our position to be clearly communicated to Fifa and have no further comment to add at this time."
Albania 🇦🇱
The Albanian Football Federation also took the same stance, aligning with Uefa.
“The Albanian Football Association has sent an official letter to Fifa Secretary General Mattias Grafström, informing him that it has withdrawn its support for Mr Gianni Infantino’s candidacy for another four-year term as Fifa President,” the statement confirmed.
Greece 🇬🇷
The Greek Football Association has backed Uefa’s push for a change in Fifa’s leadership, similarly withdrawing support to underscore a united European front in opposition to Infantino.
"The Greek FA (EPO) has taken a clear position against a candidacy of Gianni Infantino," EPO presdient Makis Gagatsis told reporters. "We saw things happen at the World Cup that are not acceptable to football public opinion. Then... came a programme to sell World Cup rights and we are clearly against it, so we withdrew our support of the Fifa president."
Germany 🇩🇪
The German federation (DFB) already opted against endorsing Infantino earlier in the year so has not had to send a letter withdrawing support to take an opposing stance.
“The DFB has not signed a letter of support for the re-election of Gianni Infantino," the governing body stated in July. "Further steps will be discussed in the DFB presidential board."
Former Germany national team director Oliver Bierhoff further reiterated the nation’s loss of trust in Infantino: "We have to take care of football. It is already commercial but it is a property for all of football. The world views may be different but in the last weeks and months a lot happened so that we have no trust any more that it will be going in the right direction."
Denmark 🇩🇰
Denmark are in a similar position to Germany, having not endorsed Infantino’s re-election bid prior to the scheme’s reveal.
There is also a precedent for their opposition to Infantino, with federation president Jesper Moller not supporting his re-election efforts back in 2022: “There is only one candidate ... but Denmark will not be supporting the current president.”
Norway 🇳🇴
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) have been one of the most vocal bodies to call for Infantino’s resignation, and while they have not yet officially sent a letter to withdraw their support in him, such action is expected in the coming days.
NFF president Lise Klaveness told the Guardian: “We decided that there is no trust in Infantino now. We have been worried consistently and there has been one more step in worrying direction every year, every part of the year. The trust is now gone for us, there is no way back for Infantino.
“We’re left in a very polarised cooperation globally and, I would say, chaos. So we will ask him to resign immediately so that the global football community can look ahead and cooperate going into the future.”
Netherlands 🇳🇱
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) is also yet to officially withdraw its support but is among the many to have confirmed it has lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
“The way this process has unfolded has resulted in a fundamental loss of confidence in the leadership of Fifa President Gianni Infantino. The KNVB no longer has confidence in his leadership,” a statement read.
Romania 🇷🇴
The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) were among the countries to resolutely reject the sell-off proposal, calling it “a dangerous initiative to turn football into a private asset.
As a result, the FRF will withold support for Infantino’s re-election for the time being, with a statement reading: “FRF is suspending the discussion regarding the support of Fifa President Gianni Infantino for a new term, until further clarifications.”
Northern Ireland ☘️
The Northern Irish football association (IFA) has expressed “concerns” over Infantino’s leadership but has not officially withdrawn its support yet, unlike neighbours Ireland.
"We take our responsibilities as a member association of both Uefa and Fifa seriously," said an IFA spokesperson. "We support the current Uefa position on the matter and will continue to engage constructively on issues relating to football governance. We are of course aware of the recent developments and wider concerns within the football community. We are considering these matters carefully and will continue to engage through the appropriate governance structures and channels.”
Jordan 🇯🇴
Jordan are so far the only non-Uefa member association to publicly oppose Infantino after federation president Prince Ali bin Hussein levelled accusations of blackmail against Fifa.
Prince Ali alleged the organisation offered assistance with the kingdom's issues in exchange for his endorsement, following Infantino's withdrawal from a World Cup stake sale proposal. Among the problems cited was the association's eight-month wait for prize money, due since December for reaching the Arab Cup final in Qatar.
After taking to X to reveal the outstanding payments, the Jordan Football Association received the prize money two days later - but Prince Ali has not changed his stance over not endorsing Infantino: “It does not change my clear position concerning the leadership of Fifa: my FA and I will not endorse president Infantino, nor will we vote for him.”
Thank you to the FIFA administration for suddenly this morning delivering what was owed to our players and coaching staff, for the Jordan National team’s accession to the final of the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar last December.
— Ali Al Hussein (@AliBinAlHussein) August 6, 2026
This was funding that should have been received 8 months…
New Zealand 🇳🇿
New Zealand have broken rank with Oceania’s confederation by withdrawing their support for Infantino.
"After careful consideration, NZF has formed the view that decisions and actions within Fifa have contributed to a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football, and that an independent review is required to restore confidence and trust,” a statement read.
Who is supporting Infantino?
Confederation of African Football (54 members) 🌍
Caf, the governing body for African football, was the first confederation to unanimously back Infantino.
“We are committed to continue working together with Fifa, its member associations, other football confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency global best practises and to contribute to the development and growth of football worldwide,” Caf president Patrice Motsepe said.
Motsepe later added that the position of embattled president Infantino can only be decided by Fifa elections.
Asian Football Confederation (47 members) 🌏
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has endorsed Infantino an apparent turnaround in its stance from two months ago when it criticised the head of football’s world governing body for a breach of trust.
AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, speaking at the body’s extraordinary congress meeting in Tokyo on Friday, embraced Infantino with a large hug in front of the membership as he delivered his endorsement.
“We affirm our full commitment to supporting you and your leadership as you seek a new mandate as the Fifa president.” Sheikh Salman said. “You’ve visited a lot of countries in Asia. I’ve spoken to a lot of members within this continent. I know your feeling and I think your commitment is clear as well.”
Argentina 🇦🇷
Argentina became the first member from South America to voice its support for Infantino, on the same day that confederation Conmebol - which had thus far only expressed support of Infantino - expressed concern over Fifa’s procedures.
"Of our highest consideration, on behalf of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and its Executive Committee, we address you, dear President, and through your worthy intermediary the Fifa board, to express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its main axes the development of football throughout the world and institutional solidity based on a clear governance model, stable and transparent,” a statement read.
Paraguay 🇵🇾
Paraguay has also followed suit as Infantino’s Conmebol support base begins to surface.
Their federation published a letter of support addressed to Infantino, writing that it "reaffirms its commitment to continue working alongside Fifa”.
Mexico 🇲🇽
Mexico joined Argentina from the Americas, breaking rank from the United States, Canada and the rest of Concacaf that had condemned Infantino’s plan and aligned itself against his leadership.
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) stated: "The FMF will neither recognise nor approve any process convened outside of that institutional framework, and it joins the call made... by President Infantino to collectively continue developing football for the benefit of the 211 member associations."
Grenada 🇬🇩
Grenada’s federation (GFA) has also broken away from the Concacaf block and reaffirmed its support for Infantino.
“The GFA reaffirms its support for Fifa President Gianni Infantino and expresses its sincere appreciation for his continued support for football development in Grenada and across the Caribbean over his period of service in office and for the years to come,” a statement read.
Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳
Like Grenada, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) has welcomed Infantino’s decision to scrap the plan, called for respect of Fifa’s institutional processes and backed the president to continue.
It said: “The SKNFA concluded by reaffirming its support for Infantino’s leadership and vision, and said it looks forward to supporting him as he completes his current constitutional mandate and continues efforts to advance football development across Fifa’s 211 Member Associations.”
Qatar 🇶🇦
Qatar was the first football association to publicly back Infantino, even though they later welcomed the decision to scrap the plan.
"While the proposal had merit, we applaud the wisdom behind prioritising unity among member associations. The Qatar Football Association fully supports President Infantino's efforts to continue growing and strengthening the game globally,” a statement read.
Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Like Qatar, Sri Lanka welcomed the decision to scrap the investment plan and has since reaffirmed its support for Infantino.
"One of President Infantino's defining leadership qualities has always been his willingness to listen to the views and concerns of Member Associations. This decision is a clear reflection of his inclusive leadership style, built on dialogue, mutual respect, and a genuine commitment to serving the global football community," its statement read.
Kuwait 🇰🇼
Like others, Kuwait welcomed the decision to halt the plans but Sheikh Ahmed Yusuf Al-Sabah, the president of the Kuwait Football Association, affirmed his support for Infantino.
A statement read: “He concluded by affirming the Kuwait Football Association's confidence in the leadership of Fifa President Gianni Infantino, and its support for efforts aimed at developing the game and enhancing its opportunities for growth in a way that serves all national associations and achieves the shared interests of global football.”
Lebanon 🇱🇧
Lebanon, who granted Infantino citizenship last year, have backed the Swiss-Italian, with FA president Hashim Haidar all but echoing the same sentiments as Kuwait.
“Haidar reaffirms the Lebanese Football Association’s support for Fifa President Gianni Infantino and his confidence in the decisions he makes in the best interests of global football, as well as in his efforts and initiatives aimed at developing the game,” he said, while also asserting that Infantino’s proposal “could be re-examined ... in a away that serves the greater good of the sport and preserves its unity”.
Indonesia 🇮🇩
The president of the Indonesian FA supported Infantino’s sell-off plan and has now backed him for another term.
Hailing Fifa as a “strategic partner that is truly present” in its football development, Erick Thohir said: “This is proof of President Infantino’s vision that football development must not be centered on a single region; it must proceed worldwide.”
Philippines 🇵🇭
Philippines have also backed Infantino and backed for co-operation among confederations.
"We stand behind President Gianni Infantino's leadership, and trust that continued dialogue among all confederations and member associations will keep the global game moving forward together,” the Philippines confirmed.
Mongolia 🇲🇳
Joining the Philippines, the Mongolian Football Federation has put out a statement in support of Infantino.
Bhutan 🇧🇹
The Bhutan Football Federation has published a letter that extends its “sincere appreciation” to Infantino for scrapping the plans, hailing him for demonstrating “true leadership” by “prioritising consensus over commerce”.
“We stand united with Fifa and President Infantino in their ongoing efforts to serve the global football community,” wrote federation president Dasho Ugen Tsechup.
Morocco 🇲🇦
The location of Infantino’s crisis meeting on Wednesday, Morocco have stuck by the Swiss-Italian as one of his most loyal allies.
“What has been achieved in recent years through Fifa’s development programmes, particularly in Africa, represents an important accomplishment that must be preserved, to the benefit of all member associations,” said the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s president Fouzi Lekjaa.
Egypt 🇪🇬
Similar to their north African counterpart, Egypt have maintained their endorsement of Infantino.
"The Egyptian Football Association reiterates its full trust in President Gianni Infantino's leadership and its continuous support for any initiatives that benefit Fifa member associations and the future of world football,” a statement read.
Mauritania 🇲🇷
Ahmed Yahya, the country's representative on the Fifa Council, was one of a number of African football leaders to say he was backing Infantino early on, pledging his support before Caf took its stance.
Niger 🇳🇪
Same as above, with Hamidou Djibrilla from Niger coming out quickly in support of Infantino.
Sudan 🇸🇩
Sudan’s federation joined five other Arab nations - Qatar, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt and Mauritania - in writing a joint statement backing Infantino.
"Recognising the important role of Arab football in bringing people together and strengthening co-operation among football associations across the Arab world, we ... express our full support for Mr Gianni Infantino, president of Fifa, and reaffirm our confidence in his leadership and continued commitment to the development of football worldwide," the statement read.
"We deeply appreciate Mr Infantino’s sustained efforts to advance football globally, expand opportunities across all regions and strengthen the game’s role in bringing people and communities together. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with him towards a stronger and more prosperous future for world football, expanding opportunities and further enhancing Arab football’s contribution to the global game."
DR Congo 🇨🇩
DR Congo's federation (Fecofa) president Veron Mosengo-Omba, who was only elected in May, spoke out in “full support”. of Infantino. The two studied at university in Switzerland together.
Fecofa said it had "greatly benefited" from Fifa's programmes, citing investment in development and infrastructure.
Nigeria 🇳🇬
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has largely aligned itself towards a supportive stance for Infantino's leadership, with former NFF president and deputy chairman of Fifa's Men's National Teams Competitions Committee, Amaju Pinnick, backing his initial sell-off plan.
Comoros 🇰🇲
The president of the Comoros Football Federation, Said Ali Athouman, also backed Infantino’s scheme due to the financial benefits to smaller nations.
"Our problem is how to obtain money,” he said. “Right now, we have no sponsors. So how do we compete? The richest nations can train players, have infrastructure and equipment, and it's no coincidence that they then achieve results. Most European countries don't have these problems.”
Malawi 🇲🇼
Fleetwood Haiya, Malawi's football chief, echoed the same concerns in his support for Infantino.
He told BBC Sport: "Our government is not able to make sure that they have medical supplies in hospitals and at the same time to look at football. Malawi needs money."
Uganda 🇺🇬
The Ugandan federation are said to have echoed Malawi’s sentiments, with football officials from the federation telling BBC Sport that Fifa investment has transformed their game both on and off the pitch.
Gambia 🇬🇲
Lamin Kaba Bajo told BBC Sport that his federation not just stood by Infantino, but would do "everything within our means" to get him re-elected.
"That's my personal opinion as president of the federation, and a good number of African memberships also stand on that line. He is here to stay,” he said.
Djibouti 🇩🇯
The Djiboutian Football Federation has similarly welcomed the decision to withdraw the sell-off proposal, with president Souleiman Hassan Waberi saying the climbdown “demonstrates a firm commitment to preserving the unity, solidarity and cohesion that define the football family”.
He said in a statement: “I reaffirm my full support for Fifa President Mr Gianni Infantino and for all initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable, transparent and inclusive development of football around the world.”
South Africa 🇿🇦
While not an official statement from the federation, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, posted on X saying that Infantino had been "very good to African football".
"Africa should be cautious in joining the public lynching of Infantino,” he warned. “He has been very good to African football. We can debate his ideas but let's not forget who has been a friend to us. Many of those calling for his head want the old status quo back too."
Who is yet to take a stance?
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), with its 11 member associations, stopped short from pulling its support for Infantino in their statement after welcoming the scrapping of the sell-off plan, very much staying on the fence as it called for a “review”.
A statement read: "The OFC recognises the progress achieved over the last decade in advancing football development in Oceania under Fifa's leadership and encourages Fifa to use the review as an opportunity to identify and implement any changes that may be necessary."
Meanwhile, South American body Comnebol, with its 10 member associations, expressed “concern about the repeated unilateral actions taken” and welcomed the decision to withdraw the plans, affirming it will “not support any action” that “ignores or deviates” from the “democratic procedures that represent the 211 Fifa member associations”.
However, as a long-time ally of Infantino, it did endorse him to get elected for a third term earlier in the summer, with Conmebol eager for his 64-team World Cup plans to go through for the 2030 edition. They have not explicitly confirmed this stance since the scandal, though.
State of play
As things stand, Infantino has 105 member associations backing him for re-election, while 95 members are outwardly confirmed to be opposing him. This is taking into account the endorsements of confederations, which are being considered as a blanket vote from all members under that governing body unless a member has broken rank.
For example, Jordan’s opposition to Infantino means he is not included in the other 47 AFC member associations supporting Infantino, per the confederation’s endorsement, while the likes of Mexico, Grenada, and St Kitts and Nevis are all separate from the other 38 Concacaf members in opposition.
This suggests that Infantino is teetering on securing re-election, theoretically needing just one more vote. However, each nation has a vote for itself and some could go against their confederation’s stance to turn the tide against the Swiss-Italian come March’s election.