Italy withdraws support for Infantino, but Cannavaro backs FIFA chief

What the report says

Italy’s football federation has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, according to Al Jazeera’s reporting, citing concerns over his recent initiatives on the governance and development of international competitions. The decision comes amid wider pressure on Infantino after his abandoned proposal to involve private investment in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup. The Italian statement said the federation wanted to make its position clear and transparent, and FIGC president Giovanni Malago said Italy would keep working with UEFA and other European federations on a model centered on merit, solidarity, sustainability and fans.

The move places Italy alongside several other European associations that have already stepped away from backing Infantino, including England, Ireland and Wales. Infantino is seeking re-election at next year’s FIFA Congress and had previously enjoyed strong support from Europe when he became FIFA president in 2016 after Sepp Blatter.

At the same time, a number of former footballers publicly defended Infantino on social media. Italy’s 2006 World Cup captain Fabio Cannavaro, along with Brazil’s Cafu and other former internationals, said FIFA had improved over the past decade and highlighted greater player representation in the sport. The contrasting messages underline the split among football figures over Infantino’s leadership and his record at FIFA.

UEFA has said it will withdraw its boycott threat after receiving assurances that the shelved investment plan will not be revived. That development suggests the immediate dispute over FIFA competition governance may ease, even as broader questions remain about Infantino’s future leadership.