Six Arab national football federations—Qatar, Lebanon, Morocco, Sudan, Egypt, and Mauritania—have issued a joint statement expressing their full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The move comes amid a crisis at FIFA following the failure of a plan to attract private investment into the organization's tournaments, including the World Cup.
According to the joint statement, the Arab federations "acknowledge the important role of Arab football in bringing people together and enhancing cooperation between football associations in the Arab world," while affirming "confidence in the leadership and continued commitment of Mr. Gianni Infantino to the development of global football." Four of the six signatories are also members of the FIFA Council.
Earlier, the FIFA President, who is seeking re-election next year, faced public opposition from three continental confederations: UEFA (Europe), AFC (Asia), and CONCACAF (North, Central America, and the Caribbean). These three confederations, representing 136 of the 211 member associations that will vote in the FIFA presidential election in March, called on Infantino to step down over a plan to sell 20% of World Cup commercial rights to private investors to raise approximately $4.2 billion.
The plan was later withdrawn by Infantino. Under the proposal, member associations were to receive $20 million in funding for the next financial cycle, with the amount potentially doubling if they agreed to the investment deal.
Despite opposition from the three continental confederations, Infantino has received support from many other member associations. The Arab federations' statement said they "appreciate Mr. Infantino's tireless efforts in promoting global football, expanding opportunities across all regions, and strengthening the role of the sport in bringing people and communities together."
