Six Arab Federations Back Infantino Amid FIFA Leadership Revolt

Six Arab football federations declared their "full support" for FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday, August 13, 2026, offering a significant boost to the embattled leader as he faces a growing revolt over his failed plan to sell private investment stakes in the World Cup. The public backing from Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon, and Sudan comes as several European football associations have withdrawn their support for his expected reelection.

The joint statement, released on Thursday, praised Infantino's leadership and commitment to global football development. "We, the undersigned leaders of our respective football associations, express our full support for Mr. Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, and reaffirm our confidence in his leadership and continued commitment to the development of football worldwide," the statement read. The signatories included four members of the FIFA Council: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani of Qatar, Hany Abo Rida of Egypt, Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco, and Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania. They were joined by Hashem Haidar of Lebanon and Moatasem Gafar of Sudan.

This show of solidarity directly counters a fierce backlash from other global...