Italy turns its back on Infantino ahead of FIFA election

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has officially withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino in the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. This decision marks a new setback for the FIFA president, whose leadership is increasingly contested in Europe. The FIGC is now aligning with the stance of UEFA and its president Aleksander Čeferin, amid unprecedented institutional tensions.

Growing ideological opposition to FIFA

Relations between FIFA and European federations are rapidly deteriorating. Disagreements notably focus on overloaded schedules, competition formats imposed without consultation, and what is seen as excessive commercialization of football. Italy, traditionally close to FIFA, is now aligning with the line defended by UEFA, which advocates a model based on merit, solidarity, and sustainability. Giovanni Malagò, president of the FIGC, justified this break with an unambiguous statement. “We will continue to work alongside UEFA and other European federations to promote a vision of football based on merit, solidarity, sustainability, and the centrality of supporters.”

A football model in direct opposition

The FIGC openly criticizes FIFA’s current governance methods, accusing it of lacking dialogue and shared responsibility. According to Malagò, the model defended by UEFA has allowed football to grow while preserving its founding principles. “We identify with a model of dialogue, listening, and shared responsibility that has thus far enabled football to grow, innovate, and at the same time defend its founding principles.” This stance comes just a few years before the FIFA presidential election, where Gianni Infantino is seeking a new term. By siding with UEFA, the FIGC strengthens the European rebellion against the current leadership of world football. The FIGC is not the first body to oppose FIFA. Several federations had already expressed disapproval of privatization projects or controversial reforms. This Italian decision could encourage other UEFA members to follow suit, further weakening Infantino’s position.

UEFA, the spearhead of the opposition

Aleksander Čeferin and UEFA play a central role in this opposition to FIFA. For several months, the European body has been taking a stand against Gianni Infantino’s initiatives, which it deems too far removed from the sport’s traditional values. UEFA even threatened to boycott certain FIFA competitions before reaching a temporary compromise. By joining this movement, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirms that resistance in Zurich is not weakening. European federations, historically divided, now appear united against a governance they see as increasingly disconnected from the realities of the pitch and the fans. The question of a potential alliance to influence FIFA’s decisions is now more pressing than ever. For Gianni Infantino, the 2027 election is shaping up to be tougher than expected. With Italy’s withdrawal, he loses a key ally and sees the opposition camp grow stronger ahead of his potential re-election.