Sports
4 Countries That Never Backed Gianni Infantino’s Re-Election as FIFA President
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has lost the support of many following the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA’s decision to overturn the red card USA star Folarin Balogun picked up against Bosnia & Herzevogina did not go down well. The decision was made after Donald Trump intervened.
After the World Cup ended, it was revealed that Infantino planned to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
Following intense backlash, with UEFA leading the way after threatening to boycott the World Cup should the deal go through, Infantino felt as if he had no choice but to scrap his plans.
Multiple Countries Withdraw Support For Infantino
Infantino, who has been FIFA president since 2016, is hoping to be re-elected for a fourth term as president at the FIFA congress in March.
However, the fallout from the plans means Infantino’s chances of being re-elected have now taken a huge blow.
Prior to the World Cup ending, over 200 of the 211 FIFA members sent letters to FIFA expressing their support for Infantino’s re-election. Some have now sent letters to FIFA withdrawing their support for the 56-year-old.
Wales became the first nation to officially do so Monday. They said in a statement: “The Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr Gianni Infantino, for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027-2031 term.
“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football. Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”
Serbia and Finland are among the other nations that have also withdrawn their support. While it has been reported that the English FA will follow suit.
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Four Countries That Never Expressed Support For Gianni Infantino’s Re-Election
While over 200 countries sent letters of support for Infantino’s re-election prior to the World Cup, some did not. They have now been revealed by former Premier League footballer Jan Aage Fjørtoft.
Taking to X, the former Swindon Town, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Barnsley forward said: “Two hundred of FIFA’s 211 member associations signed a letter supporting Gianni Infantino’s re-election on 18 March next year.
“I understand that Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany did not sign the letter. I know that England and the Netherlands did send a letter. However, I have not been able to identify the other seven associations that did not sign.”
Norway FA president Lise Kaveness has been outspoken about Infantino. In April, she revealed that the NFF (Norway Football Federation) intended to send a letter supporting calls for an investigation into the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize.
While last month, she said that Norway would complain to FIFA about the decision to suspend Balogun’s red card and the role Trump played.
Germany FA president Bernd Neuendorf slammed Infantino after he scrapped his plan. He told Agence France-Presse, per Goal: “Gianni Infantino acted unilaterally, without transparency, and ultimately in an irresponsible manner towards the interests of football.
“Together with UEFA and the other confederations, we must ensure that a radically different culture prevails within FIFA. A culture in which decisions are discussed and taken anew by the members within the leadership bodies.”
Denmark chief Jesper Møller has said that he ‘can’t support’ Infantino, while the Swedish Football Association have said that ‘trust in Gianni Infantino’s leadership no longer exists.’
Sports
Liverpool in Talks to Sign PSG Defender Zabarnyi Alongside Barcola
Liverpool have held talks to sign another Paris Saint-Germain star alongside Bradley Barcola in the summer transfer window.
It’s no secret that Liverpool are in the market to sign a new winger in the summer transfer window after Mohammed Salah left the club a few months ago.
PSG winger Barcola appears to be a priority target for the Reds, with Fabrizio Romano confirming they are working on a deal to secure his signature.
The Reds could also look to reinforce other areas in the coming weeks as they prepare to head back in the right direction next season.
It was a disappointing 25-26 campaign for Liverpool, despite managing to just about qualify for the Champions League.
Liverpool in PSG double deal talks
According to a report from Dave Ockop, Liverpool have held talks with the representatives of Paris Saint-Germain defender Illia Zabarnyi in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool have been made aware that there could be an opportunity to explore a deal for the defender.
His camp is presenting him as an option, and talks have been ongoing over the last few days after he was frozen out towards the end of last season by Luis Enrique.
It is claimed that PSG will be looking to at least get their money back for Zabarnyi if they do lose him this summer.
He made the move from Bournemouth for a fee of around £57 million, so it could be an expensive deal for Liverpool to get over the line.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Centre-back signing could be necessary
Signing a new centre-back during the summer transfer window could be crucial for Liverpool.
The Reds already lost Ibrahima Konate after his contract expired, leaving them short of options in defence.
Jeremy Jacquet did arrive, but he has been recovering from a long-term injury. It’s unclear whether he can instantly adapt to Premier League football.
Joe Gomez is another option in the center-back position for Liverpool, but he recently suffered an injury that would keep him out of their opening Premier League game.
Gomez isn’t out for a long period and isn’t a starter in the Liverpool side, but he’s still a backup option who does tend to suffer from regular injury troubles.
Sports
Arsene Wenger Releases Statement After Failed FIFA FFE Plan
Arsene Wenger has released a statement after receiving criticism for failing to speak out against FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s scuppered plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.
FIFA insisted last week that their controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal was not an attempt to ‘sell football’, amid reports that its 211 member associations would make an instant £15 million ($20 million) if they voted through the plans.
An additional £50 million ($66 million) was set to be given to each association before 2038.
However, under-fire Infantino announced on Saturday that the FFE proposal had been scrapped following widespread opposition, with UEFA threatening to boycott future World Cups if the plans went ahead.
Arsene Wenger Criticised For Failing to Speak Out
While Infantino has been the subject of most of the backlash, there has also been criticism directed towards legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since 2019.
Former Chelsea and Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino recently told talkSPORT: “The one thing that’s really surprised me is Arsene Wenger, who’s got a real pivotal role within FIFA and he’s obviously been an incredible manager.
“Nothing at all from Arsene Wenger and you’d have felt that he would have [something to say].
“But… the way he’s always managed and you always felt he loves the game so much, and what he achieved as a club manager and his role at FIFA – and Arsene’s been very, very quiet.
“And it’s hard to know exactly where he stands as well – because he’ll get questioned, Arsene Wenger.”
Wenger Breaks Silence With Statement
But in a statement provided to GiveMeSport, Wenger has now broken his silence. The 76-year-old Frenchman said:
“The recent events at FIFA deserve some clarity from my side.
“At FIFA, I am the Chief of Global Football Development.
“Together with my team, I oversee the data analysis of the game, the FIFA online training centre, the development of youth education through 60 academies across 60 countries where they are most needed, and youth competitions around the world.
“In addition, I am a technical adviser to IFAB.
“I was not involved in this strategic plan and first became aware of the project through media reports.
“The decision to withdraw the project was absolutely necessary and beyond question, because I firmly believe in an independent FIFA that serves our game with commitment, transparency, and integrity.”
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Infantino is currently locked in a battle to save his position as FIFA president, having worked in the role since 2016.
While several of FIFA’s member associations have withdrawn letters of support for the 56-year-old, who is seeking a fourth term in charge, others are still backing him ahead of next March’s presidential election in Rabat, Morocco.
Sports
Medical booked, Everton Agree Deal to Sign Arsenal’s Norgaard
Everton are now said to be closing in on the signing of an Arsenal star as they look to ramp up their summer business. The Toffees have done three big bits of business this summer, signing Merlin Rohn, Tyrique George and Hayden Hackney in a bid to bridge the gap between themselves and the European spots, which were just out of reach last season.
But David Moyes still wants more new recruits, and as confirmed by Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, talks are ongoing over the possible signing of Canada World Cup star Alistair Johnston. Although the full-back played in the Hoops’ season-opener on Monday night, so it doesn’t appear as though a deal is about to be sealed.
In the meantime, efforts are also ongoing to strengthen in other areas, and an Arsenal player could be next in.
Everton close in on deal to sign Norgaard
According to Bold, Everton are about to complete a deal to sign Arsenal star Christian Norgaard, with the two sides now only working on the final details of a deal. It’s claimed the Toffees have agreed to a £7million deal, and that the 32-year-old midfielder has been given permission to have his medical on Merseyside.
Norgaard was only signed by Arsenal last summer, when he arrived from Brentford, but he was signed as midfield cover, with his experience coming in handy behind the scenes. The Dane is known for his reliability and professionalism, and those are likely the same reasons Moyes wants to get hold of him this summer.
Everton will also be able to offer more regular football, even if he is not a starter, and at just £7million, it is not a risky deal by any stretch regardless of how much the experienced midfielder plays. Arsenal are adding to their midfield again this summer, which will likely see Norgaard fall further out of the picture.
Norgaard an ‘immaculate’ master of preparation
After a Champions League game last season, Arteta said of Norgaard: “Christian Norgaard, who is a player who probably prepares the best out of all of them and is somebody who makes all of us better every single day and can play in any position, any condition, whether he plays more or less minutes, his attitude is always immaculate, and that’s a really good example for all of us.”
He added after a Carabao Cup win: “He did very, very well. But I’m not surprised that when we brought him and we had those discussions, he understood perfectly what his role was.”
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