Italy’s Football Federation (FIGC) has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain in office, adding to growing opposition to his leadership among European football associations.
The decision brings Italy in line with UEFA and its president, Aleksander Čeferin, who have raised concerns about some of FIFA’s recent decisions on the governance and development of international football.
The latest disagreement follows reports that FIFA plans to sell a 20 per cent stake in a proposed commercial rights subsidiary, reportedly valued at about $20 billion, to private investors led by Joshua Kushner’s fund.
In a statement, the FIGC said its decision was aimed at making its position clear on what it described as recent initiatives promoted by Infantino concerning the management and development of international competitions.
FIGC president Giovanni Malagò said the federation would continue to work with UEFA and other European football associations to promote a football system based on sporting merit, solidarity and sustainability.
“We will continue to work alongside UEFA and the other European federations to promote a vision of football based on merit, solidarity, sustainability and the central role of the fans,” Malagò said.
He added that the FIGC supported a system based on dialogue, consultation and shared responsibility, which he said had helped football develop while protecting its basic principles.
Italy’s decision further weakens Infantino’s support in Europe ahead of the deadline for nominations for the FIFA presidential election.
England, Wales, Ireland, Serbia and several Nordic countries have also withdrawn their support or expressed concerns about Infantino’s leadership.
The growing opposition has increased scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership and his plans for the future commercial and competitive structure of world football.
With more European football associations distancing themselves from Infantino, the FIFA presidential election could become a closely contested race as the nomination deadline approaches.
