started · updated
FIGC withdraws support for Gianni Infantino's FIFA re-election FAST-MOVING
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has officially withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA president for the 2027 term. This decision, announced on August 26, 2026, was made in coordination with UEFA and its president, Aleksander Čeferin. The FIGC cited concerns regarding recent FIFA governance initiatives and the development of international competitions as the primary reasons for its stance.
This move follows a controversial, though ultimately abandoned, proposal by Infantino to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA's commercial rights, including the World Cup, to private investors. Italy joins several other European federations, including those of England, Scotland, Denmark, and Wales, in opposing Infantino's continued leadership. Additionally, confederations such as UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF have called for his resignation.
In contrast, Infantino has received significant public support from various football legends and South American confederations. Figures such as Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, and Fabio Cannavaro have defended his administration, stating that his tenure has improved player representation and provided athletes with a greater voice in football governance. The FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place in March 2027, with the deadline for candidacy submissions set for November 18.
Entities
Aleksander Čeferin · CAFU · Esteban Cambiasso · FIFA · FIGC · Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio · Gianni Infantino · Javier Pastore · Javier Zanetti · Roberto Carlos · UEFA
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The FIGC decision aligns with UEFA and its president, Aleksander Čeferin. alkuwaitnews.net · diez.bo · sintesis.mx · www.diarioestrategia.cl
- [● 3 SOURCES] The FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place in March 2027. alkuwaitnews.net · diez.bo · sintesis.mx
- [● 3 SOURCES] FIGC President Giovanni Malagò stated the federation will work with UEFA to promote merit, solidarity, and sustainability. alkuwaitnews.net · diez.bo · sintesis.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] The UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF confederations have called for Infantino's resignation. diez.bo · sintesis.mx
- [● 6 SOURCES] A group of football legends, including Cafu, Roberto Carlos, and Javier Zanetti, publicly backed Gianni Infantino. diez.bo · www.gazetaesportiva.com · nigeriafootball.ng · www.extra.ec · laopinion.com · +1 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Supporters argue that Infantino's tenure has improved player representation within FIFA. diez.bo · nigeriafootball.ng · www.extra.ec · mendozatoday.com.ar · laopinion.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The deadline for submitting presidential candidacy applications is November 18. alkuwaitnews.net
- [● 5 SOURCES] The decision follows controversy over a plan to sell a stake in FIFA World Cup commercial rights to private investors. alkuwaitnews.net · diez.bo · sintesis.mx · www.diarioestrategia.cl · lajornadasanluis.com.mx