Italy’s football federation, the FIGC, has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his recent initiatives concerning the governance and development of international competitions. The FIGC’s decision follows Infantino’s abandoned plan to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.
The move adds Italy to a group of European national associations that have ended their backing of Infantino as he seeks re-election at next year’s FIFA Congress. Former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, however, is among ex-players publicly supporting the FIFA president.
Why the FIGC changed its position
A FIGC statement said the decision was intended to express the federation’s position clearly and transparently on initiatives promoted by Infantino involving international competitions. The federation’s opposition comes after his attempt to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments failed and was abandoned.
Malago said the FIGC identified with a football model based on merit, solidarity, sustainability, dialogue, listening and shared responsibility, while emphasising the central role of fans. For additional context, see “FIFA’s Gianni Infantino rejects allegations linked to UEFA payment”.
Support for Infantino is split
England, Ireland and Wales are among the European associations that have already scrapped their backing of Infantino. UEFA had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions but said it would formally withdraw that threat after receiving assurances that the investment plan would not be revived.
Cannavaro said world football had improved over the past decade and that players had regained a central role. He described Infantino’s performance as a great job and said failing to acknowledge it would be intellectually dishonest. A related part of this story is covered in “FIFA’s proposal to sell minority stakes in World Cup faces UEFA backlash”.
The former players’ support follows a separate call for change in FIFA leadership led by former France defender Mikael Silvestre. Cannavaro coaches Uzbekistan’s national team.
What happens next
Infantino is seeking re-election at next year’s FIFA Congress, while the positions of national associations and former players continue to diverge. The development of this issue can be followed in “Uefa faces critical moment to challenge Fifa’s new World Cup funding scheme”.
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