# Support for FIFA presidency by national federations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/support-for-fifa-presidency-by-national-federations
> Updated: 2026-08-12T13:12:16.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

Various national football federations have issued formal statements of support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid calls for leadership changes from other major governing bodies.

On August 6, the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) endorsed Infantino, citing progress in global governance and sports development. By August 9, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) also declared their support. While organizations such as UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation have sought a change in leadership, the FMF emphasized the importance of institutional empowerment.

By August 12, the political landscape appeared increasingly divided. Infantino faces a leadership challenge following an abandoned proposal to sell commercial stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. This move triggered a crisis of confidence, prompting UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF to criticize his conduct and call for his resignation.

However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has offered defense. CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated that the decision regarding Infantino’s leadership should be left to the 211 member associations during the FIFA 77th Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18. Motsepe confirmed that Infantino continues to enjoy the support of the African continent. This reinforces a growing divide where many nations in the Global South, including members of CONMEBOL and Mexico, maintain their support despite opposition from European and Asian confederations.

As the March 2027 elections at the 77th FIFA Congress approach, the crisis persists. The divide has been further complicated by reports that the Mexican football federation has broken away from CONCACAF to support Infantino, a move analysts suggest may be driven by a desire for closer ties and commercial opportunities within South American football structures. Observers have identified potential successors to Infantino, including Victor Montagliani and Nasser Al-Khelaïfi.

## Claims

- The confederations UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF have criticized Gianni Infantino's conduct and called for his resignation. (disputed by 6 sources)
- Patrice Motsepe confirmed that Gianni Infantino maintains the support of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). (disputed by 4 sources)
- The controversy stems from an abandoned plan to sell commercial stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Gianni Infantino is seeking re-election for a fourth term as FIFA president. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated that FIFA's 211 member associations should decide Gianni Infantino's future at the March elections. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The FIFA 77th Congress is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Mexican football federation has broken with CONCACAF to support Gianni Infantino. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- FIFA issued an apology to its 211 member associations regarding errors in the handling of the commercial investment proposal. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces leadership crisis ahead of March election

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces a leadership crisis and calls for resignation following a failed commercial investment plan, though he retains support from CAF and Mexico ahead of the March elections.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fifa-leadership-faces-division-as-mexico-diverges-from-concacaf

### 2026-08-09: Mexico and Argentina back FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Mexico and Argentina have backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, amid reports that he may support Mexico’s move from CONCACAF to CONMEBOL in exchange for their political support.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-and-argentina-back-fifa-president-gianni-infantino

### 2026-08-06: Venezuelan Football Federation supports Gianni Infantino's FIFA presidency

The Venezuelan Football Federation has expressed institutional support for Gianni Infantino's continued presidency of FIFA, citing improvements in global governance and sports development.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-football-federation-supports-gianni-infantinos-fifa-presidency

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Cite as: Support for FIFA presidency by national federations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/support-for-fifa-presidency-by-national-federations