Italy's Football Federation (FIGC) announced Wednesday that it is withdrawing its support for Gianni Infantino's candidacy for FIFA president in the election scheduled for March 2027.
The decision follows similar moves by six Nordic nations—Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands—which had already withdrawn their backing. Infantino, 54, remains the sole declared candidate for the position.
The FIGC stated that its position aligns fully with UEFA and its president Aleksander Ceferin regarding Infantino's recent initiatives on governance and the development of international competitions. The federation said the withdrawal of support aims to express clearly and transparently the FIGC's stance on these matters.
Infantino has faced mounting pressure following his proposal to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. The plan encountered opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF, the governing body for North and Central American football.
Giovanni Malagò, president of the FIGC, said in a statement that Italy will continue working with UEFA and other European federations to promote a vision of football based on merit, solidarity, sustainability, and the centrality of supporters. Malagò added that the federation recognizes itself in a model of dialogue, listening, and shared responsibility that has allowed football to grow, innovate, and simultaneously defend its principles.
Related Articles
Scottish Football Association withdraws support for FIFA president Infantino
Scotland joins England, Wales and Ireland in withdrawing backing for Infantino ahead of March 2027 FIFA presidential election.
Trump backs FIFA chief Infantino for UN secretary-general role
President Trump wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to succeed retiring António Guterres as UN secretary-general, citing his global respect and ability to unite people.
FIFA's Infantino gains Arab federation backing amid leadership crisis
Six Arab football associations, including Qatar and Morocco, publicly support Infantino's re-election bid as he faces opposition from European, Asian and North American confederations.
FIFA's World Cup privatization plan splits European federations
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is pushing a controversial scheme to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors, drawing fierce opposition from UEFA but support from the Czech Football Association.
Internal FIFA voices distance themselves from Infantino over failed World Cup plan
Arsène Wenger and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström have criticized the scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, as European and Concacaf nations withdraw support for Infantino's re-election bid.
AFC president criticizes Qatar Football Association over Infantino support
Asian Football Confederation leader Sheikh Salman expressed displeasure with Qatar's backing of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, citing concerns over continental unity.
