Pressure grows on Fifa president Gianni Infantino as Israel withdraws support

The Israel Football Association (IFA) has withdrawn its backing for Gianni Infantino's re-election as Fifa president, citing what it described as an “unprecedented crisis of confidence” – the latest in a growing list of national federations turning against the Swiss official ahead of the presidential election, scheduled for March 2027.

In a letter to Fifa's headquarters, IFA chairman Moshe Zuares said recent developments had triggered a rift between the visions of Uefa and other confederations on one side and Fifa on the other over the governance of world football.

He described the division as “deep, substantive and fundamental”, adding that it was “forcing all stakeholders to reconsider the way forward”.

Zuares said the federation had “no choice but to withdraw” its earlier letter of support, while expressing hope that “productive dialogue between all parties” could ultimately restore “a shared and appropriate vision and direction for world soccer”.

The withdrawal follows Infantino's decision to sack his chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, after the Frenchman criticised Fifa's plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors.

That plan has since been shelved, but the fallout has hardened opposition to Infantino among member associations, with efforts to unseat him reportedly set to intensify in the coming days.

Israel joins Sweden and Wales in formally withdrawing support, with England said to be considering a similar move. Uefa is also reported to be weighing legal action against Fifa over the now-cancelled World Cup sell-off plan.

The rift was already visible at Fifa's most recent congress in Vancouver, where Infantino attempted to stage a public greeting between the leaders of the Palestinian and Israeli football associations. Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with his Israeli counterpart on stage, exposing the political and institutional tensions Infantino has been unable to resolve.

Despite the mounting pressure, allies of Infantino maintain that he retains the backing of most Fifa member associations. The IFA, for its part, said it hoped its decision would not close the door on renewed dialogue between the game's governing bodies.

Sources: the Guardian, Times of Israel, and Jerusalem Post.