Saudi FA backs Gianni Infantino for FIFA presidency despite growing divisions

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation has declared its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, despite opposition from several football associations and increasing debate over his leadership of the world governing body.

The Saudi federation announced its position after a number of associations were reported to have withdrawn their backing for Infantino’s attempt to secure another term. FIFA’s presidential election is scheduled to take place in March 2027.

The Saudi FA board discussed the matter at a meeting on Thursday, 27 August 2026, where it welcomed a joint statement issued by Infantino and FIFA secretary general Matthias Grafstrom.

That statement acknowledged an error over the proposed “FIFA Forward Enterprise” and confirmed that the initiative would not proceed. It also included a commitment to review the procedures connected with the proposal.

The Saudi board said it valued the pledge to learn from what had happened and to improve processes and communication arrangements. It also welcomed the commitment to strengthen governance and respond to future challenges with unity and transparency.

In its statement, the Saudi federation said turning those commitments into practical measures would be important in rebuilding trust, particularly while opinions remain divided across the international football structure.

It called for broader dialogue and more direct, constructive communication between the different parties involved in developing football worldwide.

The board said further progress for the game depended on maintaining the unity of the international football community and on the various stakeholders working together. It urged FIFA to strengthen communication with continental and national associations in an effort to narrow differences.

The Saudi federation added that the interests of football, its players and its supporters must remain the priority.

As a national association and a member of the Asian Football Confederation, the Saudi FA also expressed its appreciation for AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and his efforts on behalf of Asian football. It said it would continue its productive cooperation with the continental governing body and was ready to support initiatives that promoted dialogue, agreement and unity across the international game.

The federation then renewed its support for Infantino and praised what it described as his sustained efforts over almost a decade to unite football’s global family, develop and grow the sport, and expand its worldwide reach.

It said those efforts were aimed at benefiting all parts of the game and meeting the expectations of players and fans around the world. The Saudi FA also pointed to the “illustrious successes” of the past three World Cup editions, saying they reflected the work of the international football system in a spirit of unity.

Infantino has faced criticism from several parts of the football world in recent months. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has previously said he does not intend to stand against Infantino in the FIFA election, despite calls for the FIFA president to resign.

UEFA, the AFC and Concacaf issued an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking the trust of football’s governing structure and placing himself above the game.

The dispute followed an attempt to sell commercial stakes connected with the World Cup. The three confederations said the move had been pursued too quickly and without sufficient consultation, in order to avoid wider discussion.

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

The FIFA president continues to have the backing of the Confederation of African Football, CONMEBOL and the Oceania Football Confederation, with New Zealand the exception in Oceania.