Six Arab football federations back FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Six Arab football federations—Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Lebanon, and Sudan—have issued a joint declaration expressing “full support” and confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The move provides strategic international backing for Infantino as he seeks reelection in 2027, amid significant governance challenges.

The endorsement follows intense criticism from major continental bodies, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC. The tension stemmed from a recently withdrawn proposal to sell a 20% stake in the management of World Cup tournaments to private investors for billions of dollars. This initiative sparked concerns regarding the potential loss of institutional control over the sport’s most valuable assets.

The signing federations emphasized their desire to continue collaborating with FIFA to expand football in developing regions and enhance its social impact. This support arrives while Infantino navigates pressure from European and North American confederations, some of which have previously warned of potential boycotts following the commercial rights controversy.