UAFA Reaffirms Support for Gianni Infantino Ahead of FIFA Presidential Election

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

The Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA) has reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, praising his contribution to the development and global expansion of football during his time at the helm of world football.

The position was expressed following the 81st meeting of the UAFA Board of Directors, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, October 1, under the chairmanship of UAFA President Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal.  

The Arab football body welcomed recent steps taken by FIFA to strengthen cooperation with national, regional and continental football organisations. UAFA said it appreciated Infantino’s work over more than a decade to strengthen unity within the global football community, develop the game and expand its reach worldwide.  

Infantino has served as FIFA president since his election in February 2016 and is seeking another term in the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. His current campaign has unfolded amid disagreements within international football over governance and FIFA’s now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.  

UAFA’s endorsement comes after several Arab football leaders had already expressed support for Infantino, including officials from Qatar and Morocco, one of the co-hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The Gulf Football Federation has also recently backed the FIFA president.  

The development comes at a significant moment for Infantino, with UEFA publicly calling for changes within FIFA and indicating that it intends to put forward a rival candidate before the November deadline. The Swiss Football Association has also recently withdrawn its support for his re-election bid.  

UAFA, which brings together 22 Arab football associations from Africa and Asia, said its renewed support reflects its appreciation of Infantino’s contribution to global football and his stated commitment to cooperation among football’s governing bodies.

The FIFA presidential election is set for March 2027 in Morocco, with the contest expected to attract further attention as the deadline for nominations approaches.