Infantino set to receive World Cup win but loses Italy's support
The pressure on the embattled FIFA president remains immense but he receives a major boost from one of his most vocal opponents.
UEFA is reconsidering its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments following the withdrawal of Italy's support for Gianni Infantino's presidential bid. The European football governing body has sought assurances that Infantino's controversial World Cup stake sale plan, which sparked opposition, will not be revived. France is also evaluating its position regarding Infantino's candidacy for next year's FIFA presidential election.
Italy's shift in stance comes after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) withdrew its backing for Infantino. The FIGC aims to convey its position in line with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin's concerns over FIFA's governance and competition development. Meanwhile, French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo indicated that his federation would decide its stance at a meeting in September.
Infantino, who holds support from the African and South American confederations, faces pressure to step down due to mounting opposition from FIFA's regional governing bodies.
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