Six Arab football federations entered the escalating crisis within FIFA, declaring their full support for its president, Gianni Infantino, at a time when the circle of pressure demanding his departure is expanding against the backdrop of the plan that was to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors before it was cancelled.
Yesterday, Thursday, the presidents of the federations of Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Lebanon and Sudan issued a joint statement in which they affirmed their commitment to Infantino and their confidence in his leadership of the International Federation.
The statement read: “We express our full support for Mr. Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, and renew our confidence in his leadership and continued commitment to developing football globally.”
The heads of the Arab federations added that they appreciate the efforts made by Infantino to advance the game globally, expand opportunities for various regions, and enhance the role of football in bringing people and societies together.
The statement continued: “We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with him for a stronger and more prosperous future for world football, by expanding opportunities and enhancing the contribution of Arab football to the game at the international level.”
Morocco’s position gains additional importance as it is a partner with Spain and Portugal in organizing the 2030 World Cup, while Arab support comes at a time when Infantino is facing increasing pressure from within the international football system.
Continental federations in Europe, North and Central America, and Asia had escalated their position on the FIFA president through a joint letter this week, amid reports of some of these parties’ desire for him to step down from his position.
On the other hand, the circle of federations that withdrew their support from Infantino expanded, as the Irish Football Association became, on Thursday, the latest to join this path, after the English and Welsh federations.
The criticism directed at the FIFA President is focused on a plan that was to open the door to private investors to own shares related to the World Cup, before it was abandoned in light of widespread objections.
Amidst the pressure, Infantino received direct support from US President Donald Trump, who wrote on the “Truth Social” platform that “FIFA” would make a “huge mistake” if it thought about replacing him, describing him as “wonderful.”
Trump’s position came despite criticism issued by football parties in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Central America towards the President of the International Federation.
FIFA had condemned what it described as “coordinated and continuous efforts by some parties to undermine” the federation and its president, an indication that the dispute had gone beyond individual criticism and turned into an open confrontation over the future of the leadership of the international football institution.
The Arab support comes at a sensitive stage for Infantino, with two camps crystallizing within international football: one escalating the pressure on him and demanding a change in leadership, and another insisting on his continuation. With the federations of Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Lebanon and Sudan entering the front line, the Arab position has become a clear part of the battle for influence over the future of the FIFA presidency.
