FIFA chief Infantino receives support from 6 Arab federations

Six Arab football federations have declared their "full support" and "confidence" in FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he navigates a crisis stemming from his now-withdrawn plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors.

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We, the undersigned leaders of our respective football associations, express our full support for Mr. Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, and reaffirm our confidence in his leadership and continued commitment to the development of football worldwide.

The federations from Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon, and Sudan issued a joint statement praising Infantino's "sustained efforts to advance football globally" and his commitment to expanding opportunities and strengthening the game's role in uniting people.

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We deeply appreciate Mr. Infantino's sustained efforts to advance football globally, expand opportunities across all regions and strengthen the game's role in bringing people and communities together.

However, Infantino faces significant opposition. European football body UEFA, along with CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, issued a strong rebuke, calling his $20 billion proposal a "fundamental breach of trust" and "deception." This backlash led to the plan's withdrawal and has prompted other national associations to withdraw their support for Infantino's re-election.

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recent events have raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation.

The Football Association of Ireland cited "significant concerns regarding governance, transparency and the lack of meaningful consultation" in its decision. Similarly, the football federations of England and Wales have withdrawn their support, while Northern Ireland backs UEFA's stance. New Zealand Football also withdrew its support, calling for an independent review to restore confidence and trust within international football.

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formed the view that decisions and actions within FIFA have contributed to a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football, and that an independent review is required to restore confidence and trust.