Italy withdraws support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA presidency bid

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s candidacy to remain president of FIFA at the election scheduled for March 2027.

The decision follows a similar move by the Gibraltar Football Association, which has also announced that it will no longer back Infantino’s bid for another term as head of world football’s governing body.

In a statement, the FIGC said its decision was intended to make its position “clear and transparent”. It added that its stance was fully aligned with that of UEFA and its president, Aleksander Ceferin, over recent initiatives put forward by Infantino regarding the management and development of international competitions.

FIGC president Giovanni Malago said: “We will continue to work alongside UEFA and the other European associations to promote a vision of football based on merit, solidarity, sustainability and the centrality of the fans.”

He added: “We see ourselves as part of a model of dialogue, listening and shared responsibility that has allowed football to grow and innovate so far, while at the same time defending its founding principles.”

The withdrawal of Italian support adds to the divisions surrounding Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March 2027. Ceferin has previously said he does not intend to stand against Infantino, despite calls for the FIFA president to resign.

The dispute has intensified after UEFA, Asian football associations and Concacaf issued an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking the trust of the football community and placing himself above the game.

The letter followed an attempt to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup. The associations said the proposal had been pursued at speed and without sufficient consultation, in order to avoid broader discussion.

Despite the opposition from Italy and Gibraltar, Infantino retains backing from several major confederations. He continues to have the support of the Confederation of African Football, CONMEBOL and the Oceania Football Confederation, with New Zealand the exception within the Oceania region.

The Egyptian Football Association, led by Hany Abou Rida, has also issued a joint statement with six other associations in support of Infantino.

The competing positions reflect a growing split within international football over the direction of FIFA and the future organisation of its competitions. Italy’s federation said its decision was not simply a withdrawal of support for one candidate, but a public statement of its preference for a governance model based on consultation, shared responsibility and the established principles of the sport.

Infantino remains FIFA president and is seeking a new term at the March 2027 election. However, the recent statements from national associations and confederations have created a more contested political background around his re-election campaign, even though Ceferin has ruled out challenging him.