European federations may withdraw support letters for Infantino

It is stated that the dissatisfaction with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in European football could be moving to a new stage. It is reported that a large number of UEFA member federations are considering withdrawing the letters they previously sent to support Infantino's re-election in 2027.

It is noted that this step could be implemented collectively or through consecutive statements by individual countries. This move is considered to represent a de facto vote of no confidence against Infantino and would increase the pressure on the FIFA President to resign.

At the center of the tension is the failure of a project known as "FIFA Forward Enterprise," which envisioned selling some of the World Cup's commercial rights to private investors. It is stated that warnings from UEFA member federations that they could boycott future FIFA tournaments were effective in shelving the plan.

SUPPORT LETTERS ON THE AGENDA

Before the FIFA presidential election expected to be held in March 2027, Infantino's re-election for a fourth term was considered a certainty. It is reported that before the crisis, 52 of UEFA's 55 members, excluding Germany, Romania, and Norway, had sent support letters to Infantino.

For a federation to withdraw a previously submitted support letter, it must provide official notification to FIFA. It is stated that the federations in Europe are maintaining contact not only among themselves but also with countries in other confederations.

While the search for a common stance against Infantino continues, statements of support for the FIFA President have come from some countries affiliated with the Asian Football Confederation. It is reported that Qatar announced its support on Saturday, while Sri Lanka and Kuwait did so on Sunday. However, it is pointed out that Asian countries do not always act as a bloc in FIFA elections.

''MORE THAN 200 COUNTRIES HAD PROVIDED SUPPORT LETTERS''

According to a report published by The Guardian in July, more than 200 of the 211 FIFA member federations had sent letters supporting Infantino's re-election. The same report alleged that some federations had expressed reservations about the Infantino administration in private meetings, despite declaring their support.

Another aspect of the initiative being carried out in Europe is the search for a potential new presidential candidate. It is considered that a candidate running against Infantino would need to receive significant support not only from Europe but also from Asia and the North, Central American and Caribbean region.

It is stated that if a consensus on a joint candidate is reached in a short time, this would be one of the most important factors that could weaken Infantino's chances of remaining in office.