Infantino reportedly seeks Morocco’s support for re-election bid
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly seeking support from the Moroccan football association for his re-election bid, according to reports. This comes amid increased pressure on Infantino following criticism over his plans to involve private investors in FIFA tournaments.
Reports indicate that Infantino offered to stage the 2030 World Cup final in Morocco in exchange for written support. The proposed venue for the final is the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca. However, FIFA has denied these reports, stating that claims of the president making promises regarding the 2030 World Cup final are false and misleading, and that a decision will be made by FIFA in due course.
Infantino’s Position and Criticisms
Infantino has faced significant opposition, with UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressing strong disapproval of his investment plans. The administrator’s proposal to give private investors a stake in FIFA‘s major tournaments did not succeed and has led to calls for his resignation.
Several national football associations, including those from Wales, Sweden, and Serbia, have stated they will not support Infantino’s re-election bid in 2027. The English FA also reportedly planned to withdraw its support. Former player and UEFA advisor Luís Figo has called for Infantino’s resignation, stating that he has “debased the office” and “lost the support of his senior staff, his closest advisers, the vast majority of people who devote their lives to this sport.”
Despite the mounting criticism, reports suggest Infantino is not considering stepping down and is actively working to retain his position. He reportedly held crisis talks with leading officials of the Moroccan football association, which, alongside Spain and Portugal, will host a significant portion of the 2030 World Cup.
Reactions and Future Outlook
Morocco has historically been a strong ally of Infantino since he assumed the presidency of FIFA. Spain, another co-host of the 2030 World Cup, believes the final should be played in their country, with Spain‘s FA president Rafael Louzán previously stating that Spain will “be the leader of the 2030 World Cup and the final of that World Cup will be here.”
FIFA issued a separate news release detailing a “constructive and positive meeting” in Morocco, where the FIFA Secretary General and members of the FIFA Management Board reportedly reaffirmed their full support for Infantino. This meeting reportedly followed an emergency call by Infantino to address the growing criticism.
Infantino is also said to be concerned about the lack of public support from Saudi Arabia, a country that has previously been among his strongest backers. Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup. The country’s national football association is expected to provide an official response once a successor to Yasser Al-Misehal is appointed on 30 August.
Candidates for the FIFA presidency for the period between 2027 and 2031 can register until 18 November. The new president is scheduled to be announced on 18 May in Rabat, Morocco.
Possible successors to Infantino include Canadian Victor Montagliani, president of CONCACAF, and AFC president Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.
FIFA has also issued a warning against further criticism following the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) program, stating that it will “no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its name and reputation.”
This warning comes after many governing bodies were reportedly unaware of Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup until the story became public.
Concacaf accused Infantino of not prioritizing football and urged a “comprehensive reckoning with this presidency.”
One of Infantino’s key advisers, former U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro, resigned from FIFA over the proposal.
The FIFA president’s re-election bid is scheduled for March 2027.
Source: goal.com
