{
  "id": 14876817,
  "title": "Infantino is the right man for football – FIFA Council member",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/infantino-is-the-right-man-for-football-fifa-council-member",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T05:28:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/infantino-is-the-right-man-for-football-fifa-council-member-2/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "FIFA Council member Ahmed Yahya, the President of the Mauritanian Football Federation, has publicly endorsed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asserting that the current leader is the ideal person to steer world football. Yahya emphasized that the majority of football associations globally desire Infantino to retain his position, praising his leadership, commitment to supporting member associations financially, and dedication to providing equal opportunities for all members. After a proposal withdrawal during an Executive Committee meeting, Yahya recounted how Infantino personally apologized to committee members before proceeding with a responsible debate. Yahya praised Infantino's vision for FIFA, including the allocation of $25 million over four years to each member association, which represents a substantial increase from ten years ago. He also highlighted the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams, describing it as a significant development that has positively impacted the global game. Yahya, speaking from an African standpoint, acknowledged calls for governance reforms but stressed that any changes must encompass all levels of football administration, from associations to FIFA. He affirmed Infantino and the FIFA Council's openness to reforms aimed at enhancing the organization's democratic, organized, and efficient management. Regarding the rescinding of a red card, Yahya confirmed that the FIFA Council had addressed the matter and initiated investigations into the associated issues. He assured the public that the Council would continue to explore solutions to concerns raised regarding FIFA's leadership and governance.",
  "summary": "President of the Mauritanian Football Federation and member of the FIFA Council, Ahmed Yahya has thrown his support behind Gianni Infantino, insisting that the FIFA president remains the right person to lead world football. Yahya believes the majority of football associations worldwide want Infantino to remain in office, highlighting his leadership, investment in football development … The post…",
  "key_points": [
    "Yahya praised Infantino's leadership, financial support for members, and equal opportunity advocacy.",
    "Infantino's vision includes $25M allocation per member and expanded World Cup to 48 teams."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Endorsing the current leadership through increased financial allocations and tournament expansion signals a push to consolidate authority by prioritizing member association support over calls for structural governance reform.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "PBS NewsHour",
        "title": "Infantino apologizes to FIFA Council for World Cup furor but leaves critics unhappy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/infantino-apologizes-to-fifa-council-for-world-cup-furor-but-leaves",
        "published": "2026-10-16T00:20:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}