Italian Football Federation Withdraws Support for Infantino's FIFA Re-Election Bid

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced Wednesday it would no longer back Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president in the March 2027 election, citing 'the recent initiatives promoted by the FIFA president concerning governance and the development of international competitions' — a reference to Infantino's now-abandoned plan to sell a 20% stake in a new World Cup commercial entity. FIGC president Giovanni Malagò said the federation would 'continue to work alongside UEFA and the other European federations to promote a vision of football based on merit, solidarity, sustainability and the central role of fans,' emphasizing 'a model based on dialogue, listening and shared responsibility.' Italy joins England, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Israel, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and all six Nordic federations in publicly withdrawing support for Infantino's re-election.