Italy’s football federation (FIGC) announced on Wednesday, August 27th, 2026, that it has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The decision was based on Infantino’s recent initiatives concerning the governance and development of international competitions, including his failed attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup.

“This decision is intended to clearly and transparently express the FIGC’s position… regarding the recent initiatives promoted by the FIFA president concerning the governance and development of international competitions,” the FIGC stated.

The move follows similar withdrawals of support from several European national associations such as England, Ireland, and Wales. Infantino, who succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016 with broad European backing, is currently facing increasing pressure to step down ahead of next year’s FIFA Congress where he seeks re-election.

FIGC head Giovanni Malagò said, “We will continue to work alongside UEFA and the other European federations to promote a vision of football based on merit, solidarity, sustainability and the central role of the fans.”

Despite the federation’s withdrawal, former players including Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro expressed support for Infantino on social media. Cannavaro noted, “Over the last ten years, world football has improved,” and footballers “have once again taken centre stage.”

Brazilian World Cup winner Cafu also praised Infantino’s efforts, writing, “We have followed the work of FIFA and president Infantino to promote the representation of players in football, something that didn’t exist before.”

These supportive messages came after a group of former players led by Frenchman Mikael Silvestre called for change in FIFA’s leadership.

Infantino, 56, a former UEFA secretary general, has been at the helm of world football’s governing body since 2016.

Sources