# Six Arab federations back Infantino amid World Cup backlash

2026-08-13T16:15:32+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Six Arab football federations have declared 'full support' for FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he faces mounting criticism over a withdrawn $20 billion World Cup investment plan. The joint statement from Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon and Sudan praised Infantino's leadership and commitment to football development. Four of the signatories are FIFA Council members. Infantino abandoned the proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors after fierce opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, who called it a 'fundamental breach of trust'. The backing from Qatar and Lebanon exposes a split within the AFC, which had joined the criticism. The Football Association of Ireland also revoked its endorsement of Infantino's re-election, following similar moves by England and Wales, reports Mathrubhumi.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/full-support-for-gianni-infantino-6-arab-federations-back-fifa-boss-amid-backlash-over-world-cup-plan-article-155607477>
- english.mathrubhumi.com <https://english.mathrubhumi.com/sports/football/gianni-infantino-backed-by-arab-federations-fifa-crisis-scuudhxi>

Tags: Arab federations, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, sports governance, UEFA, World Cup
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