Six Arab football federations back FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid controversy

Six Arab football federations have thrown their weight behind Gianni Infantino, declaring their “full support” for the embattled FIFA president as opposition to his controversial World Cup investment plan continues to grow.

The backing came from Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon and Sudan on Thursday, with four of the six federation chiefs also serving on the FIFA Council. Their public show of support comes days after Infantino withdrew a proposed USD 20 billion private investment plan linked to the World Cup following a fierce backlash from football officials around the world.

“We, the undersigned leaders of our respective football associations, 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 said.

The six leaders also praised Infantino’s efforts to expand football opportunities globally and said they looked forward to continuing their cooperation with him.

Arab support clashes with continental stance

The declaration has exposed a growing divide within the Asian football bloc, with Qatar and Lebanon backing Infantino despite the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) joining the opposition to his World Cup proposal.

The AFC, UEFA and CONCACAF issued a strongly worded open letter on Monday, calling Infantino’s proposal a “fundamental breach of trust” and accusing FIFA of “deception”. UEFA has also warned that European football could consider boycotting FIFA competitions and events if concerns surrounding the proposal are not addressed.

The contrasting positions of Qatar and Lebanon are particularly notable because both are AFC members. Their federation presidents have now publicly backed Infantino despite their continental body’s criticism of the FIFA president.

The four FIFA Council members among Thursday’s signatories are Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abo Rida, Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa and Mauritanian Football Federation president Ahmed Yahya. Lebanon’s Hashem Haidar and Sudan’s Moatasem Gafar completed the list.

Morocco, which will co-host the 2030 World Cup, has also previously appeared among the federations whose support for Infantino was highlighted on his official Instagram account.

Pressure mounts despite Arab backing

Infantino’s position has come under increasing pressure since his investment proposal triggered a backlash among FIFA’s member associations and continental confederations.

The Football Association of Ireland announced on Thursday that it had withdrawn its support for Infantino’s re-election, citing concerns over governance, transparency and consultation.

England and Wales had taken a similar position last week, while Northern Ireland said it supported UEFA’s stance.

New Zealand Football has also withdrawn its support for Infantino’s candidature and called for an independent review of the development of the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme, saying recent decisions had contributed to a breakdown in trust within world football.

Infantino, FIFA president since 2016, had appeared almost certain to secure another term unopposed at next year’s election in Morocco. However, FIFA has set November 18 as the deadline for potential challengers, leaving the door open for the growing opposition to turn into a formal electoral challenge.