England Withdraws Support for Infantino As Opposition Grows

FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces growing opposition as national federations express support and opposition for his leadership. Infantino is expected to run unopposed for reelection as FIFA president in the spring, but his recent proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup has faced significant backlash. After days of opposition, including UEFA threatening boycotts and two top FIFA executives condemning the plan, Infantino dropped the effort on July 31.

Wales became the first federation to withdraw its support, followed by Serbia. England's Football Association is reportedly set to write a letter withdrawing support as well. While European opposition is unanimous, other countries have not immediately come out against Infantino. Qatar, Morocco, and Lebanon have reaffirmed their support, while the Swiss federation is having internal discussions with other associations.

FIFA presidents typically serve three terms, but Infantino gets to try for a fourth because the three years he served during Blatter's scandal are not counted. Infantino has held the position since 2016. Some federations, like Germany's, did not initially support Infantino's re-election and show no intention to withdraw their support now.

UEFA has threatened legal action against FIFA and declared FIFA leadership has "lost UEFA's confidence." To oust Infantino, a no-confidence vote would require support from 43 FIFA countries, but UEFA has been a vocal critic of him for years and would likely need support from other bodies to succeed. A challenger to Infantino could emerge by Nov.

18. Canadian CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is seen as the most likely candidate, having faced criticism for his handling of a 2008 coach firing and his role in CONCACAF's partnership with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.