{
  "id": 285157,
  "title": "Fifa chief Infantino gets backing of South American football",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/fifa-chief-infantino-gets-backing-of-south-american-football",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-07T22:53:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/highlight/2026/08/08/fifa-chief-infantino-gets-backing-of-south-american-football"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fifa president Gianni Infantino secured backing from prominent South American football leaders during his visit to Colombia. Infantino arrived in Cali to witness the inauguration of hard-right president Abelardo de la Espriella, where he was accompanied by Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez and Colombian federation chief Ramon Jesurun. The trip to Colombia follows a series of controversies surrounding Infantino, including his controversial plan to open the World Cup to private investment, which was ultimately abandoned. Despite criticism from European body Uefa and concerns from Conmebol, Infantino remains committed to his fourth and final term in office. Conmebol president Dominguez acknowledged the positive impact Infantino has had on football, stating that \"one cannot ignore the great work done by Infantino.\" Infantino also received support from Venezuela and Ecuador, who welcomed the withdrawal of the controversial private investment proposal. The South American leaders' backing highlights Infantino's continued influence and importance within the global football community.",
  "summary": "Fifa president Gianni Infantino received support from several South American football figures during his visit to Colombia. The visit came amid controversy surrounding the head of world football, who has been embroiled in a crisis following a plan to open the World Cup to private investment. Despite criticism, particularly from Uefa, Infantino expressed his happiness at attending a children's football festival in Cali, emphasizing the joy and unity that football brings. Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez stated that while they had concerns about Fifa's unilateral actions, they recognized the great work Infantino has done. Infantino also received support from Venezuela, Ecuador, and other South American federations, who welcomed the withdrawal of the controversial private investment proposal.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}