The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Wednesday that it is officially withdrawing its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This decision follows the collapse of Infantino’s controversial plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup, a move that has drawn significant criticism across the sport.
In a formal statement, the FIGC explained that the move is intended to clearly and transparently express its position regarding recent initiatives promoted by the FIFA president concerning the governance and development of international competitions. The federation emphasized that it remains committed to working alongside UEFA and other European associations to foster a vision of football rooted in merit, solidarity, sustainability, and the central role of fans.
FIGC head Giovanni Malago stated that the organization identifies with a model of dialogue, listening, and shared responsibility, which has historically allowed the sport to innovate while defending its founding principles. The Italian federation joins a growing list of European national associations, including those from England, Ireland, and Wales, that have already revoked their backing of the 56-year-old president ahead of his re-election bid at next year’s FIFA Congress.
Infantino, a former UEFA secretary general who took over from Sepp Blatter in 2016 with widespread European support, is now facing intense pressure to resign. His administration has been under fire for the now-abandoned proposal to secure private investment in major tournaments. With UEFA threatening a potential boycott of FIFA competitions, the governing body faces a period of significant instability as it prepares for the upcoming leadership vote.
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