FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing growing resistance ahead of the March 2027 election, with several European football associations withdrawing their support for his bid for a final term.
The opposition intensified following controversy over the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise investment plan, which was designed to attract private investment into the World Cup.
FIFA later suspended the proposal, while Infantino apologised over the issues surrounding the initiative.
Despite the controversy, the FIFA president has retained the backing of senior officials and several member associations.
The final decision, however, will be made by FIFA’s 211 member associations, with each country entitled to one vote regardless of the size or strength of its football system.
While continental bodies such as UEFA and CAF can endorse candidates and influence their members, individual national associations will ultimately cast the votes.
So far, no formal challenger has emerged, while the deadline for nominations is November 18.
Countries Opposing Infantino
Most of the opposition has come from Europe.
Finland was among the first associations to withdraw its support, followed by England, Wales and Serbia. Sweden, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have also indicated that they will not support Infantino’s re-election.
Romania and the Czech Republic have also suggested they may not back him, although they had not formally announced their positions at the time of the report.
Jordan is currently the only non-European country publicly identified as opposing Infantino.
Its football federation is headed by former FIFA vice-president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who previously accused FIFA’s leadership of exerting pressure on the federation.
Full List of Countries Publicly Opposing or Withdrawing Support
- Finland
- England
- Wales
- Serbia
- Sweden
- Greece
- Albania
- Croatia
- Germany
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Jordan
Countries Not Formally Opposed but Indicating They May Not Support Infantino
- Romania
- Czech Republic
Countries Supporting Infantino
Infantino continues to enjoy support from several national associations across different confederations.
Qatar, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Lebanon and Morocco publicly backed him following the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.
Their support was later joined by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Bhutan, the Philippines, Mexico, Argentina and Paraguay.
Other countries with a history of supporting Infantino, including Egypt, Niger and Mauritania, have expressed support in recent weeks but stopped short of issuing formal endorsements.
Full List of Countries Publicly Backing Infantino
- Qatar
- Sri Lanka
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Morocco
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Indonesia
- Bhutan
- Philippines
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Paraguay
Countries Expressing Support Without Full Endorsement
- Egypt
- Niger
- Mauritania
With all 211 FIFA member associations eligible to vote and the nomination deadline still ahead, the balance of support could shift before the March 2027 election.