Italy withdraws backing for FIFA chief Infantino

Italy’s football governing body, FIGC, has withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his controversial attempt to sell stakes in the World Cup.

The decision was announced on Wednesday, adding to growing opposition to Infantino ahead of next year’s FIFA Congress, where he is seeking re-election.

Several European football associations, including those from England, Ireland and Wales, have already withdrawn their backing for the FIFA president.

“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,” FIGC wrote in a statement.

Infantino has come under increasing pressure to step down as head of world football’s governing body over his now-abandoned plan to secure private investment in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.

UEFA, which oversees European football, has threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions.

“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,” said FIGC head Giovanni Malago.

“We identify with a model of dialogue, listening and shared responsibility which has, to date, enabled football to grow, innovate and, at the same time, defend its founding principles.”

Infantino, 56, a former UEFA secretary general, had the broad backing of European nations when he succeeded Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016.

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