The dispute centres on governance, consultation and ’s handling of international competitions. Wales has cited failures in leadership and judgement, while Norway has called for Infantino to resign. The Netherlands has declared a fundamental loss of confidence.
The abandoned proposal to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors appears to have deepened the rift. UEFA continues to boycott competitions, saying it has received no assurance that similar plans will not return.
Italy’s withdrawal is significant because its federation said it acted in agreement with UEFA and president Aleksander Čeferin. That gives the European opposition a more coordinated character, rather than leaving each federation to make an isolated protest.
Infantino’s strongest counterweight is the Confederation of African Football. Its 54 member associations have unanimously backed the president, representing more than a quarter of ’s 211 members.
Morocco remains among his most reliable allies, with its federation praising development programmes delivered across Africa. That support gives Infantino a substantial organisational base, even as European confidence declines.
South American backing also remains in place. Argentina, Mexico, Paraguay, Qatar, Indonesia and several Caribbean and Asian associations have reaffirmed their support, while CONMEBOL continues to endorse Infantino and is seeking backing for a 64-team World Cup in 2030.
The election will turn on whether European opposition can become a unified alternative, and whether Africa, South America and other confederations maintain their backing under pressure. The next storyline to watch is the search for a challenger capable of bridging that divide before ’s presidential vote.