Escalating Opposition to FIFA President Gianni Infantino Ahead of the March Election

In August 2026, a growing coalition of football officials publicly withdrew support for Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president since 2016, and called for his resignation before the March presidential election. The letter cited the “unexpected dismissal” of chief operating officer Kevin Lamour as the final straw. Csányi’s move adds to a wave of dissent that includes Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) president Aleksander Ceferin, CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa and Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt.

The Guardian

Earlier in the year, FIFA attempted to launch “FIFA Forward Enterprise,” a plan developed with investor Joshua Kushner to sell a $4.2 billion stake in World Cup rights to private capital. The proposal collapsed after internal criticism and media leaks. COO Kevin Lamour, who had publicly warned that FIFA staff had been “deceived” by Infantino on July 31, was removed from his post in mid-August. FIFA issued an apology for a lack of transparency, but the firing intensified scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership.

Infantino Election Tracker: Who Is Voting Against FIFA President

• “My conviction that you are capable of continuing to lead FIFA successfully and effectively in accordance with the shared values that previously formed the basis of our cooperation has been undermined,” — Sandor Csányi, criticizing Infantino’s “My conviction that you are capable of continuing to lead Fifa successfully and effectively in accordance with the shared values that previously formed the basis of our cooperation has been undermined,” — Sandor Csanyi, criticising the president’s

The Guardian

• Norway Football Association president Lise Klaveness told the Associated Press that Lamour’s removal was “unacceptable” and described it as “management by fear.”

Infantino Election Tracker: Who Is Voting Against FIFA President

• UEFA issued a July 30 statement announcing a boycott of FIFA competitions until “assurances” are provided that similar governance failures will not recur.

Infantino Election Tracker: Who Is Voting Against FIFA President

FIFA’s 210 member associations each hold one vote in the March election. To unseat Infantino, the anti-Infantino bloc would need 106 votes for a named opponent. As of August 18, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president and general secretary co-signed a letter with UEFA and CONCACAF accusing Infantino of deception over the failed proposal. Individual federations that have publicly withdrawn support include Albania, Croatia, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland (rescinded support), Israel ( Aug 18), the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Serbia, Sweden and Wales. Conversely, the CONMEBOL bloc, Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) largely remain supportive, with New Zealand breaking from the OFC stance on August 12.

Infantino Election Tracker: Who Is Voting Against FIFA President The Guardian

Infantino is currently running unopposed, but the erosion of backing from multiple continental confederations and a sizable number of national associations creates uncertainty about his re-election prospects. The next steps will involve formal nominations and the March voting process, where the balance of support among the 210 members will determine whether Infantino retains the presidency.

Infantino Election Tracker: Who Is Voting Against FIFA President