The Union of Arab Football Associations has announced its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for reelection as FIFA head following a meeting in Jeddah.
The UAFA said Infantino had helped strengthen unity within the global football community and broadened the sport’s international reach. The organisation represents 22 nations from Asia and Africa.
The Gulf Football Federation has also pledged its support for Infantino. The federation represents eight national associations.
Opposition grows
Infantino has faced criticism since July over a failed proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The supplied information does not identify the proposed investors or provide further details of the plan.
Switzerland has formally withdrawn its support for Infantino, citing concerns about integrity, accountability and transparency. Switzerland is Infantino’s home country.
UEFA, European football’s governing body and the leading force in opposition to Infantino, has said it will put forward a rival candidate before the November deadline. UEFA has not identified that candidate.
Vote scheduled for March
FIFA’s 211 member federations are scheduled to vote in March. The exact date of the vote and the year of the election were not specified in the supplied information.
The competing endorsements indicate a developing contest around Infantino’s reelection bid, with regional backing from Arab football organisations alongside opposition from Switzerland and UEFA.
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