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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 13, 2026Miami-Dade

Six Arab soccer federations back FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid leadership revolt

Six Arab soccer federations have issued a statement of support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino following his withdrawal of a controversial $20 billion private investment plan for the World Cup. This backing comes as Infantino faces growing opposition from European and other international soccer bodies over his leadership and governance practices.

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Why It Matters

The internal conflict within FIFA regarding the potential privatization of World Cup assets and Infantino's leadership style threatens the stability of global soccer governance ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

Key Facts

  • Gianni Infantino withdrew a $20 billion proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors.
  • Six Arab soccer federations (Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon, Sudan) publicly declared support for Infantino.
  • Four of the six signatory federation leaders are current FIFA council members.
  • UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC issued a joint letter calling the investment plan a 'fundamental breach of trust'.
  • The Football Association of Ireland withdrew its support for Infantino's re-election.
  • The soccer associations of England and Wales withdrew support for Infantino last week.
  • Northern Ireland has aligned with UEFA's stance against the plan.
  • FIFA has set a Nov. 18 deadline for candidates to challenge Infantino for the presidency.
  • Infantino has served as FIFA president since 2016.

Who's Mentioned

personHany Abo Rida“Egyptian Football Association president”personHashem Haidar“Lebanese Football Association president”locationQatar“Signatory federation”locationMorocco“2030 World Cup co-host”organizationUEFA“European soccer governing body”organizationAFC“Asian soccer governing body”personGianni Infantino“FIFA President”locationSudan“Signatory federation”organizationCONCACAF“North, Central American and Caribbean soccer governing body”personMoatasem Gafar“Sudan Football Association president”personFouzi Lekjaa“Moroccan Football Federation president”locationMauritania“Signatory federation”personSheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani“Qatar Football Association president”locationLebanon“Signatory federation”personAhmed Yahya“Mauritanian Football Federation president”locationEgypt“Signatory federation”