Gianni Infantino is currently clinging to his job following his botched plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, with a host of countries withdrawing support for his re-election.

However, it’s been revealed that a number of countries are still backing the under-fire FIFA boss, despite a string of recent controversies.

Infantino received heavy criticism in December after awarding US President Donald Trump with FIFA’s newly-created Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw. The two men have formed a strong relationship in recent years, with Trump even earmarking Infantino for the job of UN (United Nations) secretary-general.

It was Trump’s intervention that prompted FIFA to controversially suspend USMNT striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban at the 2026 World Cup.

Infantino and Trump handed the FIFA World Cup trophy to Spain’s players following their victory over Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Infantino is reportedly ‘begging’ the Trump administration to help save his job after his hugely controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup were scuppered last week.

Multiple Countries Still Backing Infantino For Re-Election

REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Wales and Finland have withdrawn endorsement letters for Infantino, while the English Football Association are set to follow suit, as UEFA threaten legal action against FIFA over Infantino’s World Cup sell-off plan.

However, The Athletic’s Adam Crafton has revealed that a host of Asian confederations are backing Infantino’s re-election.

The most significant member associations pledging their support for Infantino are Qatar and the UAE (United Arab Emirates).

Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon and Kuwait are also backing the FIFA boss, who has been in charge of world football’s governing body since 2016.

Crafton says the fact these countries are backing Infantino “will worry UEFA”, adding that Saudi Arabia’s verdict could be key.

Saudi Arabia were named hosts of the 2034 World Cup finals in December 2024, meaning Infantino may have sufficient credit in the bank from the Middle Eastern nation.

Over 200 FIFA Member Associations Backed Infantino in July

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

It was revealed in July, shortly before the World Cup final, that more than 200 of FIFA’s 211 member associations backed Infantino for a fourth term – despite the Balogun scandal.

Germany were among the highest-profile football associations who failed to provide official backing for Infantino at the time.

However, every member association has the opportunity to withdraw their support for Infantino and transfer their backing to a different contender up until November 18.

Infantino was the only runner for the role of FIFA president at the time, but the situation could now change, with various member associations now seeking a change in leadership at the top of football.

A reported Tottenham target has been speaking about his future, potentially opening the door to a move this summer. Spurs have been on a spending rampage this summer, racking up a club-record spending bill of more than £235million, and they will continue to spend over the coming weeks.

Roberto De Zerbi has spent huge money to improve his defence and midfield, but he also wants an attacker or two to shore up the front line. Attacking signings are now the priority, and it’s like a winger will be the main priority, although a winger who can also play as a striker would be a welcome addition.

One of the recent links involved Barcelona forward and the scorer of the World Cup final winner, Ferran Torres, who has been busy addressing his future.

Torres speaks about Barcelona situation

Miguel Vidal Via Reuters

Torres has seen his fame multiplied after his World Cup-winning goal for Spain, and he spoke to NBC Sports in the US this week, addressing his Barcelona future among other topics.

“I have a contract at Barcelona but in football you never know. ’m just waiting to make the right decision, but I don’t know yet,” he admitted.

“Well, it’s always nice good that these type of teams want you. But in the end I have a contract with Barcelona. It’s true that in soccer you never know what might happen, but the good part is that since I have a contract, I can wait and decide for myself.

He added: “They must show that they want me. That they come to negotiate and for all of us to talk in the end.”

The speculation is because Torres, who is still only 26 years of age, is in the final year of his contract at Barca, so unless he signs a new deal, an exit this summer is likely, with the Blaugrana unlikely to want to risk losing him for free next summer.

PSG lead the race for Torres

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Spurs have been linked with a move for Torres in recent days, and the Spaniard would be a good fit based on what De Zerbi is looking for in that he is a hard-working forward who can play as a centre-forward and out wide, while he also has Premier League experience.

But according to Fabrizio Romano, it is PSG who are pushing the hardest for a deal as things stand. He said on his YouTube channel. “Ferran was keeping his doors open. Why? Because his agents keep talking with Paris Saint-Germain, and they are pushing on the player side. Paris Saint-Germain feel that Ferran Torres is a realistic and concrete possibility. Barcelona will only let Ferran Torres go if Ferran goes public and says ‘I want to leave Barcelona’.

“If Ferran goes to Barca and says ‘I want anew chapter’, in that case, Barcelona will not force the player to stay, otherwise Ferran Torres, for Barca, is not for sale. So this depends on the player.”

Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam has provided an update on Liverpool potentially signing a new defender following Joe Gomez’s injury in pre-season.

Reports emerged last week that Gomez is expected to miss the start of the Premier League season after suffering an injury against Sunderland during pre-season.

The experienced defender was forced off in the first half due to a muscle problem, and Andoni Iraola refused to put a timescale on his return.

The Liverpool boss did, however, confirm that he won’t be back in time to face Newcastle on the opening day of the season.

“If it goes very good the injury is a little bit less, if [not] it goes a little more. It’s not massive, it’s a normal muscle injury, [but] I think it’s going to be impossible to have him for the start of the season because we are not so far [away]. It shouldn’t be a lot more.”

Liverpool defender transfer update

According to Sky Sports journalist McAdam, Liverpool are not expected to enter the market for defensive reinforcements despite Gomez’s recent injury.

“Well, no is the answer we are being told. My understanding is that Liverpool will not go into the market to sign a player for the next 4-6 weeks. They’re just gonna have to ride through the storm and then wait for their players to come back and then they will be at full strength at the back.”

Many Liverpool supporters would have expected Liverpool to enter the market for a defender regardless of Gomez’s injury, with Ibrahima Konate leaving the club earlier this summer.

The Reds are clearly happy with the options they’ve currently got, but they’re certainly going to be short at the back.

Liverpool focusing on forward additions

REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

It’s safe to say Liverpool are focusing on forward additions rather than defensive ones in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano has recently reported that Liverpool have opened club-to-club talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.

The French club are believed to be demanding around €170 million for the French international, which is undoubtedly out of reach for Liverpool.

Whether they can negotiate that figure down remains to be seen, but he certainly appears to be their top target as they look to strengthen their attack in the coming weeks.