European football federations' rift with FIFA's Infantino ahead of 2027 election

Key developments

1. Aug 26, 2026

   Italy's football federation withdraws support for Gianni Infantino's 2027 FIFA presidency bid, aligning with UEFA and Aleksander Čeferin amid governance concerns.

   8 sources on this →
2. Aug 26, 2026

   UEFA drops its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after assurances the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprises privatization plan will not proceed, clearing the way for the U-20 Women's World Cup in…

   7 sources on this →

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Photo: Italian Football Federation — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Sports

Italy Withdraws Infantino Support Ahead of 2027

Italy’s football federation (FIGC) has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for the FIFA presidency in 2027, aligning with UEFA and its president Aleksander Čeferin amid concerns over governance and proposals to involve private investors. The move signals a broader European shift in football politics and could shape the race ahead of the 2027 election as other federations reassess their positions.

8 sources

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Sports

UEFA Eases FIFA Boycott Threat Ahead of U-20

UEFA has dropped the threat to boycott FIFA competitions after assurances that the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprises plan will not proceed, clearing the way for the U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland. The move underscores ongoing tensions with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and UEFA’s demand for guarantees that such privatization attempts will not recur, with broader leadership concerns persisting.