Gianni Infantino, who as recently as mid-July had endorsements from all but a handful of Fifa's 210 member associations for a fourth term as president, now faces a markedly changed landscape following opposition to his since-abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors, according to a mapping exercise carried out by BBC Sport.
Infantino's Re-Election Bid Faces Uncertain Outlook Ahead of March Fifa Vote
Gianni Infantino, who as recently as mid-July had endorsements from all but a handful of Fifa's 210 member associations for a fourth term as president, now faces a markedly changed landscape following opposition to his since-abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other competitions to private investors, according to a mapping exercise carried out by BBC Sport.
BBC Sport assessed the positions of all 210 member associations, drawing on public statements, direct responses to questions put by the outlet, and positions attributed to members based on declarations by their continental confederation. The current tally stands at 73 in support of Infantino, 124 in opposition, and 13 undecided, though the outlet notes this picture is fluid.
On Monday, Uefa, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation signed a joint letter accusing Infantino and Fifa of breaking their trust 'through deception.' The three bodies collectively represent 136 associations. Several European associations, including England and Wales, had previously withdrawn letters of support they had submitted ahead of the March election.
Despite the joint letter, dissenting members exist within those confederations. Bhutan, the Philippines, and the UAE have backed Infantino within the AFC. Mexico has broken with Concacaf's position by publicly supporting Infantino. The USA and Canada have endorsed Concacaf's statement but have not explicitly declared opposition to Infantino. The Oceania Football Confederation and its members have made no public comment.
Infantino retains support particularly within Africa and South America, regions the article says have received significant investment since he took charge. That investment, channelled in part through the Fifa Forward programme, is noted as a potential factor in winning votes from associations in the AFC, Concacaf, and Oceania. Saudi Arabia, which was awarded hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup during Infantino's tenure, has not taken a public position; its football leadership elections are scheduled for August.
A Fifa Council emergency meeting represents one route by which Infantino's tenure could end before a scheduled election. Such a meeting must be called within a fortnight if 19 of the 37 council members request it. The council comprises nine Uefa members, seven AFC, six Caf, five Concacaf, five Conmebol, and three from Oceania, as well as Infantino and Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom. The article describes this route as probably unlikely given the council's composition.
If a challenger stands against Infantino in the March election, a simple majority of 106 votes is required for a two-candidate race. If three or more candidates enter, a first-round victory requires two thirds of the vote; failing that, a simple majority decides in a second round. The deadline for candidates to declare is November. No candidate has yet announced an intention to stand. Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has reportedly been discussed as a potential challenger. AFC president Sheikh Salman is named as another figure whose entry could affect how Asian associations vote.
Vote allocations by confederation are: Europe 55, Africa 54, Asia 46, North America 35, Oceania 11, and South America 10.
- The source does not establish what specific terms the abandoned private-investment plan contained or why it was withdrawn.
- The source does not confirm whether any individual has formally indicated they will stand against Infantino.
- The source does not detail what actions, if any, Infantino has taken in response to the joint confederation letter.
- The source does not specify which 13 member associations are counted as undecided.
- The source does not explain the basis or outcome of Saudi Arabia's upcoming football leadership elections.
- The source does not state what Infantino himself has said about the opposition to his re-election.
- The source does not clarify what 'breaking trust through deception' refers to beyond the general context of the investment plan.