The Italian Football Federation withdraws its support for Gianni Infantino
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced this Wednesday that it is withdrawing its support for the candidacy of Gianni Infantino for his reelection as president of FIFA in the 2027 elections. The entity’s decision conveys a “clear and transparent” position that seeks to align with UEFA and its president, Alexander Ceferinin response to “the recent initiatives of the FIFA president in terms of governance and the development of the calendar and international competitions,” reads an official note from the FIGC.
“We will continue to work together with UEFA and the other European federations to promote an idea of football based on merit, solidarity, sustainability and the centrality of the fans,” declared the president of the FIGC, Giovanni Malago.
Malagoelected president of the FIGC on June 22, highlighted his support for a “model of dialogue, listening and co-responsibility that until now has allowed football to grow, innovate and, at the same time, defend its fundamental principles.”
The decision comes after the controversy over the figure of Gianni Infantino for his plan to sell a stake in the World Cup rights to private investors, which he was finally forced to withdraw. Italy thus joins other federations such as those of England, Scotland, Denmark and New Zealand, among others, that have already withdrawn their support for the Swiss leader.
In parallel, UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF have also requested the resignation of the president due to the frustrated attempt to incorporate private investment into the competitions of the FIFAincluding the World Cup.
For their part, CONMEBOL and CAF -African Confederation- announced days ago their support for Infantino, as did a group of legendary players such as Cafú, Roberto Carlos, Zanetti, Pepe or Felipe Melowho supported this Wednesday the current president of FIFA.
