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The Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA) has endorsed FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for reelection ahead of next year’s FIFA presidential election.

The decision was announced after a meeting of the 22-member organisation in Jeddah on Thursday, where the body said Infantino had contributed to strengthening unity within the global football community and expanding the sport’s international reach.

UAFA represents national football associations from countries across Asia and Africa and is one of several regional bodies that have expressed support for Infantino as he seeks another term at the helm of world football.

The Gulf Football Federation, which brings together eight national football associations, has also declared its backing for the FIFA president.

The endorsements come as Infantino faces growing opposition over his leadership and proposals concerning FIFA’s commercial and tournament operations.

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Infantino has faced criticism since July following a controversial proposal involving the sale of stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Critics have raised concerns about the implications of the proposal for FIFA’s governance and the commercialisation of its flagship tournament.

The controversy intensified on Wednesday when Switzerland, Infantino’s home country, formally withdrew its support for his reelection bid.

Swiss authorities cited concerns relating to integrity, accountability and transparency in explaining the decision.

The development represented a significant setback for Infantino as the FIFA presidential contest begins to take shape.

European football’s governing body, UEFA, has emerged as one of the strongest sources of opposition to Infantino.

UEFA has criticised several aspects of FIFA’s leadership and is expected to put forward a rival candidate before the November deadline for nominations.

The FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place next year, with member associations expected to determine who will lead the world football governing body for the next term.

Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016 following the resignation of Sepp Blatter, was reelected in 2019 and again in 2023.

His administration has overseen major changes to FIFA competitions, including the expansion of the men’s World Cup to 48 teams and the development of new commercial and international football initiatives.

Support from regional football organisations is likely to be an important factor in the election campaign because FIFA’s president is elected by representatives of its member associations.

The latest endorsements from UAFA and the Gulf Football Federation indicate that Infantino continues to retain support among several football associations in the Arab world and parts of Asia and Africa.

However, the emergence of opposition from Switzerland and UEFA means the contest is expected to involve competing positions over FIFA’s governance, commercial strategy and future direction.

The November nomination deadline is expected to provide a clearer picture of the candidates who will challenge Infantino in the election.

The Traffic NG
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Amarachi Ihesiulo
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