Arab associations support FIFA President Infantino

In the power struggle over the future of the world football association Fifa, its president Gianni Infantino is receiving important support from Arab associations. In a statement after a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Union of Arab Football Associations (Uafa) said that over the past ten years, Infantino had "strengthened the unity of the global football community, further developed football and significantly expanded its global reach."

Uafa is the football governing body of the Arab countries. It consists of 22 national football associations. However, these are also part of the continental associations from Asia (AFC) or Africa (Caf). Uafa is not officially recognized by FIFA.

The national associations in Uafa include the World Cup hosts Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The World Cup in Qatar took place four years ago and Saudi Arabia is hosting the tournament in 2034. Infantino maintains good relations in the region.

The FIFA boss came under heavy pressure in the summer after, among other things, a push to market the World Cup rights by external investors. His leadership style was also repeatedly criticized.

The election for FIFA president is scheduled for March next year. Infantino is seeking another term in office, but there is strong opposition, particularly from Europe and North and Central America. However, the associations have not yet named an opposing candidate for the election.