FIFA vice-president Sandor Csanyi withdraws support for Gianni Infantino

Sandor Csanyi, president of the Hungarian Football Federation and a FIFA vice-president, has withdrawn his support for Gianni Infantino, saying he has lost confidence in the FIFA president ahead of the organisation’s 2027 election.

Csanyi, who had previously backed Infantino’s intention to seek re-election, communicated his decision in a letter reported by French newspaper L’Equipe. He said his support had been based on confidence in Infantino, but that confidence had now disappeared.

“The straw that broke the camel’s back was the sudden dismissal of Kevin Lamour,” Csanyi said.

FIFA dismissed Lamour, its executive director of operations, on Monday after he criticised Infantino. The decision has added to growing tensions around the FIFA president and his leadership of world football’s governing body.

Csanyi is one of FIFA’s eight vice-presidents, representing the different continental confederations involved in the organisation’s governance. He is also a member of the FIFA Council, the body responsible for helping shape the organisation’s decisions and broader football policy, as well as serving as head of the Hungarian Football Federation.

The FIFA presidential election is due to take place in March 2027, with divisions over Infantino becoming increasingly visible. Although the election remains some time away, a number of confederations have already expressed concerns about the direction of FIFA and the way major decisions are being made.

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF issued an open letter accusing Infantino of undermining the trust within the football system and of placing himself above the sport.

The dispute followed an attempt to sell commercial stakes connected to the World Cup. The confederations said the move had been pursued too quickly and without sufficient consultation, limiting the opportunity for proper discussion.

Infantino continues to retain significant support elsewhere in the global game. The Confederation of African Football, CONMEBOL and Oceania remain behind him, with New Zealand the exception within the Oceania region.

The Egyptian Football Association, led by Hany Abou Rida, also issued a joint statement with six other football associations in support of Infantino. That declaration provides the FIFA president with backing as opposition to his leadership becomes more public.

Csanyi’s decision marks a notable withdrawal of support from within FIFA’s senior leadership. As both a FIFA Council member and one of the organisation’s vice-presidents, he occupies a prominent position in the governing structure and has direct involvement in its policy-making process.

The disagreement over Lamour’s dismissal has therefore become part of a wider debate about FIFA’s leadership, transparency and consultation with its continental confederations. Infantino’s position remains supported by several major football regions, but the open criticism from UEFA, Asian football and CONCACAF, together with Csanyi’s decision, highlights the divisions that may shape the build-up to the 2027 election.