# Malawi FA chief backs Infantino for FIFA president amid pressure

2026-08-12T23:56:50+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Malawi Football Association president Fleetwood Haiya has publicly backed Gianni Infantino for a third term as FIFA president, crediting his investment in African football for the country's historic qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Malawi reached the semi-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, securing their first World Cup berth. Haiya told Reuters he was "not shaken" in his loyalty to Infantino, saying he believes in equal opportunity for smaller associations. Haiya also supported the decision to scrap Infantino's controversial proposal to raise $4.2 billion by selling a stake in FIFA's commercial rights, but insisted any replacement plan must still provide meaningful financial support to weaker federations. Malawi becomes the latest nation to endorse Infantino, joining Argentina and Egypt, with the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.

## Coverage

- indiatoday.in <https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/gianni-infantino-fifa-president-malawi-fa-backing-uefa-2969842-2026-08-12?utm_source=rss>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/malawi-backs-gianni-infantino-for-fifa-president-after-historic-womens-world-cup-qualification-article-155604411>

Tags: Africa, FIFA, football governance, Gianni Infantino, Malawi football, Women's World Cup
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