Six Arab football federations publicly back Gianni Infantino amid widening opposition
Six Arab football federations issued a joint statement on August 14, 2026, declaring their support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino as opposition to his leadership grew over a withdrawn plan to involve private investors in World Cup commercial interests. The federations said they had "full support" and "confidence" in Infantino and his leadership of global football.
The backing came from Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon and Sudan, with 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 among the signatories who also serve on the FIFA Council. Lebanese Football Association president Hashem Haidar and Sudan Football Association president Moatasem Gafar were the other signatories. "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 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."
The support followed the withdrawal of Infantino's proposed $20 billion commercial structure after widespread opposition from football officials. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Concacaf demanded an independent review of the plan and described its handling as a "serious breach of trust," while issuing a joint letter accusing FIFA's leadership of advancing the proposal without adequate consultation with member associations. UEFA also warned its members could consider boycotting FIFA competitions in response to the affair.
National associations have shifted their positions amid the controversy: the Football Association of Ireland withdrew its support for Infantino's re-election, citing concerns over governance, transparency and consultation, while England and Wales also pulled their backing. Northern Ireland, by contrast, publicly aligned with UEFA's stance.
The public endorsement by the six Arab federations highlighted divisions within the broader football community, with Qatar and Lebanon publicly supporting Infantino despite the AFC being among the confederations demanding greater scrutiny. Morocco, which will co-host the 2030 World Cup, was noted among national associations that had previously expressed support for Infantino.
With FIFA's election process approaching, the deadline for challengers is set for November 18, and the contest over Infantino's future has become more volatile as supporters and opponents realign.
