The Italian Football Federation withdrew its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday [1].
This shift signals a significant loss of political capital for Infantino. It comes as UEFA moves to end a threatened boycott of FIFA tournaments, potentially stabilizing the governing body's leadership structure ahead of future elections.
UEFA is preparing to lift its boycott threat after receiving formal assurances that a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major competitions will not be revived [1], [3]. The plan, which sought to bring in private investors, was valued at $20 billion [3].
The Italian Football Federation, known as the FIGC, joined a growing wave of pressure on the FIFA president [4]. This withdrawal of backing from a major European footballing power follows mounting tension between Infantino and several confederations over the commercial direction of the sport [3], [4].
UEFA officials had previously threatened to boycott FIFA events to protest the proposed selloff [3]. The move toward reconciliation follows the guarantees that the investor plan is dead, effectively removing the primary catalyst for the European body's defiance [1], [5].
While the immediate threat of a boycott has subsided, the loss of Italian support creates a precarious environment for Infantino. The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for 2027 [5], and the current instability suggests a fragmented base of support among member nations.
FIFA has not issued a formal response to the Italian federation's decision, but the agreement with UEFA suggests a strategic pivot to avoid a total rupture with European football [1], [3].
“Italy withdrew its backing of Infantino, prompting UEFA to move toward ending its boycott threat.”
The withdrawal of support from Italy and the conditional truce with UEFA illustrate a precarious balance of power within global football. By abandoning the $20 billion stake-sale plan, Infantino has prioritized short-term political survival over a radical commercial overhaul. However, the loss of a key ally like the FIGC may weaken his position as he approaches the 2027 election, potentially opening the door for challengers who can better align the interests of the major confederations.
