FIFA President Infantino Still Has Support of Most Associations 2026

FIFA President Infantino still has support of most associations, according to a close ally, despite mounting pressure from UEFA and other confederations. Véron Mosengo-Omba, president of the Congolese Football Federation, insists the majority of FIFA's 211 member associations back Infantino, even as a controversial investment plan threatens his leadership.

Infantino's Support Base Remains Strong

Mosengo-Omba, a longtime friend of Infantino from their university days in Switzerland, told the Guardian that most federations are behind the FIFA president. "Most of the federations are supporting him. Just ask the congress," he said. This comes after UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation published an open letter calling for "leadership that serves football, not seeks to command it."

The criticism stems from Infantino's FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme, which proposed selling over 20% of the World Cup to private investors. Mosengo-Omba admitted he opposed the plan but remains loyal to Infantino personally. "I didn't send a letter of support because I didn't agree with the way the project was done. Now people are trying to attack Gianni but I'm ready to take a bullet for him," he added.

Ally's Defense and Criticism

Mosengo-Omba's comments highlight a divide between personal loyalty and policy disagreement. He criticized the FFE scheme's execution but defended Infantino's right to propose it, comparing it to UEFA's commercialization of the Champions League and Euros. "Gianni came with a proposal. UEFA is selling the Champions League and the Euros – they are independent companies. He was doing the same," he explained.

The FIFA chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, was sacked on Monday after criticizing the plan, signaling internal turmoil. However, Mosengo-Omba believes the opposition lacks the numbers to unseat Infantino. To trigger a vote of no confidence, opponents need 106 of 211 members, a threshold that seems unlikely to be met.

Key Data on FIFA Support

While the table is illustrative, it underscores the regional divide. African and other developing football nations often benefit from FIFA's development programs, which may explain their loyalty to Infantino.

Key Takeaways

• Infantino retains support from most FIFA member associations, according to ally Mosengo-Omba.
• The FFE scheme to sell World Cup stakes faced widespread criticism, leading to internal dismissals.
• Opponents need 106 votes to force a no-confidence vote, a threshold they likely cannot reach.
• Personal loyalty and policy disagreements are creating tensions within FIFA's leadership.

FAQ

As the power struggle continues, the football world watches closely. Infantino's ability to maintain support from the majority of associations will determine his future at FIFA. For now, his ally's confidence suggests he remains firmly in control.

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