A number of European nations, among them England and Wales, have officially retracted the letters endorsing Infantino that were previously submitted ahead of next year’s election.
Opposition to Infantino grew stronger on Monday after European governing body Uefa, North America’s Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued a joint letter alleging that he and Fifa had damaged their trust by misleading them.
The alliance carries considerable weight because the three regional organizations collectively represent 136 national associations.
However, the confederations are not entirely united, as Asian members including Bhutan, the Philippines and the UAE have expressed support for Infantino.
Asia may therefore prove decisive to Infantino’s future, with numerous associations across the region yet to reveal where they stand.
Mexico has also departed from Concacaf’s position by publicly supporting Infantino. Although the USA and Canada have endorsed the confederation’s latest declaration, neither has directly called for an end to his leadership.
New Zealand similarly moved away from the Oceania Football Confederation’s (OFC) position on Friday by retracting its backing for Infantino.
The decision came after an OFC executive committee meeting in Fiji. A subsequent statement welcomed the cancellation of FFE while commending the developments Fifa has made during the past decade.
Concacaf has experienced further internal disagreement, with Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis joining Mexico in supporting Infantino despite the wider federation’s stance.
Infantino also retains committed supporters, especially in Africa (Caf) and South America (Conmebol), where football has received record levels of funding since he assumed office a decade ago.
Such funding may help him secure crucial backing from AFC and Concacaf members with less influence in global football. Many of these nations have gained substantially from the Fifa Forward programme, which has provided billions of dollars for development projects.
Saudi Arabia has not yet announced its position, but it secured the right to stage the 2034 World Cup during Infantino’s tenure. Its domestic football leadership election in August could determine the kingdom’s approach and shape opinions elsewhere in the region.
Ultimately, individual countries may choose not to follow the official position adopted by their respective confederations.
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