Six Arab soccer federations publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday amidst growing unrest regarding his proposed private investment plan for the World Cup.
Arab Federations Unite in Support
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.
Joint Statement from Arab Football Leaders
- Morocco
- Qatar
- Egypt
- Mauritania
- Lebanon
- Sudan
The federations, which include FIFA council members from Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, and Mauritania, emphasized their appreciation for Infantino's efforts in advancing the global game and enhancing the role of football in uniting communities.
This support follows Infantino's withdrawal of a controversial $20 billion proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private equity investors. The plan faced backlash from key soccer organizations, including UEFA, which threatened a boycott of FIFA events.
In a joint letter, UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC condemned Infantino’s plan as a breach of trust, raising alarms about governance and transparency.
The Football Association of Ireland also retracted its support for Infantino's re-election, highlighting concerns that have prompted similar actions from soccer federations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The support from Arab nations adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discord, particularly as Qatar and Lebanon's stance diverges from the broader Asian Football Confederation's position.
Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is expected to seek re-election in March 2024, with a deadline for challengers set for November 18.