Several Concacaf nations are considering joining European associations in formally withdrawing their endorsement of Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
Before the World Cup, all 41 members of the confederation representing North America, Central America and the Caribbean reportedly submitted letters supporting Infantino’s re-election. Many are now seriously considering reversing that decision.
Finland became the first of Fifa’s 211 member associations to publicly retract its endorsement last Thursday. The Football Association of Wales followed on Monday after its chair, Laura McAllister, proposed a World Cup boycott during an emergency Uefa meeting. The English Football Association has also reportedly informed Fifa that it is withholding its support for Infantino.
Concacaf convened an emergency meeting last Friday, where its members were said to be firmly aligned with Uefa’s campaign for Infantino to leave his position.
Representatives of several countries reportedly pledged during the meeting to revoke their endorsements, while some may already have done so privately.
A possible obstacle for Concacaf is that four member nations—the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica—are bidding to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup, which is the next hosting decision Fifa will make.
Although no competing bids have been submitted, Fifa must still approve the proposal at an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for November.
The United States Soccer Federation is reportedly highly dissatisfied with Infantino, particularly after his interactions with Donald Trump caused controversy surrounding the Folarin Balogun matter. However, political sensitivities may prevent the federation from openly challenging him.
The situation is further complicated by speculation that Concacaf president Victor Montagliani could be the strongest potential challenger to Infantino in next March’s presidential election.
Montagliani has requested a comprehensive examination of Fifa’s governance but has not yet decided whether to enter the presidential race. The Canadian official said last month that his immediate priority was securing another term as Concacaf president, with that election also due to take place next year.
Although Concacaf appears unified, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) seems to have become divided after previously supporting Uefa’s opposition to Infantino’s proposed commercial restructuring of the World Cup.
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, two of the region’s most financially influential countries, have publicly supported Infantino remaining in office. Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Kuwait and Bhutan have taken the same position.
Most of the AFC’s 47 members, including Saudi Arabia, have not publicly stated their position. Uefa hopes to gain their backing, although it remains uncertain whether Infantino’s opponents have enough support to create a genuinely competitive election.
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