FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under fire for his botched World Cup plan (Image: Getty)
Gianni Infantino has shared statements from six countries which have voiced their support for his re-election bid as FIFA President, as he continues to face speculation surrounding his future in the job.
Infantino’s position as FIFA President has become a topic of debate after the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which originally set out proposals for shares in the federation’s competitions to be sold to outside investors.
These controversial plans, which would have affected the men’s and women’s World Cups, were met with widespread criticism in the football world, with UEFA leading the charge in a statement threatening to boycott FIFA competitions if the proposals remained a possibility.
FIFA then confirmed the plans would not go ahead, leaving Infantino’s future as FIFA President uncertain, with the presidential election set for spring 2027.
England and Wales were the first two countries to call for a change in leadership, and were joined by Serbia, which also released a statement withdrawing their support for Infantino’s re-election bid.
Hours later, Infantino took to his Instagram story to share statements from six countries which have given him their support to continue as FIFA President.
Infantino captioned each statement with a flag of the country and a handshake emoji.
Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bhutan, and Sri Lanka have all issued statements of their support to Infantino.
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All six countries offered their appreciation to Infantino for putting an end to the FFE proposals, while Qatar went on to praise the ‘wisdom’ of the FIFA President.
“We welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s decision to withdraw the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal in the interest of the global football community,” the statement from Qatar read.
“While the proposal had merit, we applaud the wisdom behind prioritising unity among Member Associations.
Six countries have offered their support to Gianni Infantino (Image: Getty)
“The Qatar Football Association fully supports President Infantino’s efforts to continue growing and strengthening the game globally.”
Morocco also echoed the sentiments from Qatar with their statement, which praised Infantino.
Their statement read: “President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, welcomed FIFA President Mr. Gianni Infantino’s decision to withdraw the proposal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise project.
“The progress achieved in recent years through FIFA’s development programs, particularly in Africa, represents a valuable achievement that must be preserved for the benefit of all member associations.
“In this context, despite the importance of the proposed reform, the unity of the global football family must take precedence over any differences it may have generated.
“Mr Fouzi Lekjaa emphasised that the FIFA President’s decision was a wise one, as it prioritises unity and cohesion among FIFA’s member associations through a participatory approach to advancing the development of football.
“On this occasion, the FRMF President reiterated his support for FIFA President Mr. Gianni Infantino and for all initiatives aimed at promoting the development of football worldwide.
“The unity of world football remains the guiding principle that inspires this great football family in all its decision-making.”