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FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing growing opposition ahead of the election for his final term in March 2027, with several European football associations withdrawing their support following the controversy surrounding his proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise investment plan.

Infantino’s re-election had appeared largely assured until the plan, which sought to invite private companies to invest in the World Cup, triggered criticism from football authorities.

FIFA subsequently shelved the proposal, while Infantino apologised for errors surrounding the initiative.

He has since secured the backing of FIFA’s senior executives at a crisis meeting in Rabat, Morocco.

The final decision, however, rests with FIFA’s 211 member associations.

Each association has one vote, meaning countries such as San Marino and the Bahamas carry the same voting weight as major football nations including Brazil and England.

Confederations such as UEFA and the Confederation of African Football can endorse candidates and lobby their members, but individual associations ultimately cast the votes.

While UEFA has publicly criticised Infantino, the African football confederation has backed him.

No candidate has formally emerged to challenge him so far, with the deadline for nominations set for November 18.

Nations opposing Infantino
Opposition to Infantino has been concentrated largely in Europe. Finland was among the first associations to withdraw its support, followed by England, Wales and Serbia. Sweden, Greece, Albania, Croatia, Germany Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have subsequently indicated that they will not back the FIFA president’s re-election, PUNCH Online and itv reported Saturday.

Romania and the Czech Republic have also suggested they will not support Infantino, although neither association had formally declared its position at the time of the report.

Jordan is the only non-European country identified as having publicly said it will not support Infantino.

Its football federation is led by former FIFA vice-president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who accused FIFA’s leadership of blackmail.

He said Jordan had been awaiting money for reaching the final of the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar in December and claimed he was told that supporting Infantino would help the federation receive the funds.

Prince Ali later confirmed that Jordan had received the outstanding money.

FULL LIST: Nations publicly opposing or withdrawing support
1. Finland

2. England

3. Wales

4. Serbia

5. Sweden

6. Greece

7. Albania

8. Croatia

9. Germany

10. Denmark

11. Netherlands

12. Norway

13. Jordan

Not formally opposed but indicating they may not back Infantino:
1. Romania
2. Czech Republic

Nations backing Infantino
Infantino has also retained support from several associations across different confederations. Qatar, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Lebanon and Morocco publicly backed him after the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan was withdrawn.

Their support was followed by endorsements from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Bhutan, the Philippines, Mexico, Argentina and Paraguay.

Other associations with a history of supporting Infantino, including Egypt, Niger and Mauritania, have voiced support in recent weeks but stopped short of issuing full endorsements.

Full list: Nations publicly backing Infantino
1. Qatar

2. Sri Lanka

3. Kuwait

4. Lebanon

5. Morocco

6. Democratic Republic of Congo

7. Indonesia

8. Bhutan

9. Philippines

10. Mexico

11. Argentina

12. Paraguay

Nations voicing support but stopping short of full endorsements:
1. Egypt

2. Niger

3. Mauritania

The positions outlined above are based on the associations publicly identified in the report.

With 211 FIFA members entitled to vote and the candidate nomination deadline still ahead, the balance of support could change before the March 2027 election.

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Jorge Messi has died at the age of 68, according to multiple Argentine media outlets. Lionel Messi’s father had been battling health problems for some time.

Back in June, Lionel Messi was visibly emotional after scoring for Argentina against Algeria at the World Cup. Afterwards, he responded: “Why was I crying? It had absolutely nothing to do with football. I have had a few difficult days.”

His comments sparked intense speculation. Multiple media outlets reported it was linked to his father’s health, although conflicting accounts were circulating over what exactly was happening.

Background and Career Impact, Jorge Messi played a vital role in his son’s rise to football greatness, guiding him from childhood in Argentina to joining Barcelona at age 13. He served as Lionel’s primary representative and business manager throughout his legendary career.His recent health struggles had heavily weighed on the family, famously reducing Lionel to tears after scoring in Argentina’s opening match.

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Manchester City have rejected an opening offer of £38.5 million from Barcelona for midfielder Rodri, with the Premier League champions insisting they would demand a fee above £60 million for the Spain international.

The 30-year-old midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is yet to agree a new deal, fuelling uncertainty over his future this summer.

As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Barcelona have emerged as the leading contenders for Rodri’s signature after receiving encouragement from the player’s camp to begin negotiations with City. The Catalan club submitted their first formal offer on Friday, but it was immediately turned down.

City are willing to consider a sale but want a significant fee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who remains one of the most influential defensive midfielders in world football.

Rodri had previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but reports indicate that talks with the Spanish giants have now ended as Barcelona push ahead with their interest.

Barcelona sources said discussions with the player’s representatives are ongoing, although no agreement has been reached between the clubs.

Rodri’s recent seasons have been affected by injuries, including a serious knee problem that ruled him out for much of the 2024-25 campaign and a hamstring issue that disrupted his return.

However, he regained his best form at the World Cup, where he helped Spain secure their second title and was named the tournament’s best player.

The midfielder is currently recovering from back surgery and is expected to return to Manchester next week to continue his rehabilitation with City.

With the transfer window entering its second week of August, City are keen to resolve Rodri’s future quickly as they look to identify a possible replacement.

The club are also in talks over a move for 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, although the French side’s £86 million valuation remains a major obstacle.

Meanwhile, reports from Spain suggest Real Madrid made a strong attempt to sign Rodri after Spain’s World Cup success.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Rodri’s agent Pablo Barquero confirmed that Real Madrid presented an attractive offer and held positive discussions with the player’s representatives.

The report stated that Real Madrid officials, including president Florentino Perez and chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez, made significant efforts to complete the deal.

However, Rodri eventually decided to pursue another option, leading Real Madrid to end their interest and avoid prolonging negotiations.

Barcelona’s renewed push now places them at the centre of the race for the midfielder, as City prepare to determine the future of one of their most valuable players.