Infantino's Support Base Holds Amidst FIFA Controversy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is navigating a storm of controversy following his unsuccessful bid to sell stakes in the World Cup to outside investors. Despite FIFA's stated confidence in its president, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has declared a loss of trust and continues to threaten boycotts of future FIFA tournaments.

Several national football federations, including those in Norway, Sweden, Serbia, and Wales, have declared they will not vote for Infantino in the 2027 FIFA elections. The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) has even called for his resignation.

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CAF's board unanimously reiterated its support for FIFA President Infantino and thanked him for his support to African football over the years. Infantino, Secretary General Mattias Grafström and the FIFA administration were also thanked for organizing a very successful World Cup.

Infantino, who has held the FIFA presidency since 2016, announced his intention to seek another term at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. However, any re-election would mark his final term, as FIFA has a 12-year, three-term limit. Infantino has argued that his initial three years, taken over after Sepp Blatter's resignation, should not count towards this limit.

Despite the opposition, Infantino remains the sole declared candidate for the upcoming FIFA Congress in March. Public support has come from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), whose 54 member nations have unanimously reaffirmed their backing for Infantino. CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed a statement of support and an apology for errors made during the investor plan process. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has also publicly stated its support for Infantino.

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Consequently, Conmebol will not support any action or procedure that ignores or deviates from these institutional mechanisms.