Gianni Infantino denies claims he sought political backing over 2030 World Cup final

FIFA has rejected reports alleging that its president, Gianni Infantino, attempted to use the hosting rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup final to secure political support ahead of the organisation’s next presidential election.

The allegations, which have fuelled renewed scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership, claim he sought public backing from Morocco in exchange for awarding the country the right to stage the tournament’s showpiece final.

According to the reports, Infantino has also been lobbying other member associations and nations to publicly endorse his leadership as pressure mounts in the build-up to the next FIFA presidential election.

The claims have intensified calls from some critics for the FIFA president to step down, with opponents arguing that football’s governing body should remain free from political bargaining over major tournament decisions.

FIFA, however, has strongly dismissed the allegations, describing them as inaccurate and misleading.

“It is false and misleading to claim the FIFA President has made any promise in relation to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 Final,” a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement.

“A decision will be made by FIFA in due course.”

The governing body did not provide further details on when a final decision regarding the venue for the 2030 World Cup final will be announced.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup will mark the centenary edition of the tournament and is set to be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, while the opening commemorative matches are scheduled to take place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to celebrate the competition’s 100th anniversary.

The latest controversy comes as Infantino faces increasing scrutiny over his leadership of world football, with speculation already growing over the next FIFA presidential election.

While his supporters point to the expansion of FIFA competitions and increased investment in football development during his tenure, critics have continued to question aspects of the organisation’s governance and decision-making.

For now, FIFA maintains that no commitments have been made regarding the venue for the 2030 World Cup final, insisting the selection process remains ongoing and that a decision will be announced at the appropriate time.