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FIFA president Infantino faces criticism amidst World Cup support withdrawal

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 2:48 PM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

FIFA president Infantino faces criticism amidst World Cup support withdrawal

Summary

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is receiving criticism as he prepares for re-election next year. Andrew Giuliani, a former White House official, defended Infantino, claiming that critics are motivated by jealousy. New Zealand's football federation withdrew its support for Infantino, joining several other associations that have expressed a lack of confidence in his leadership. Despite this, Infantino received endorsements from the Confederation of African Football and CONMEBOL. Infantino recently scrapped a controversial plan involving private investment in FIFA's tournaments, an initiative that had drawn significant backlash. His ability to maintain support prior to the upcoming election remains uncertain.

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By the Numbers

•Andrew Giuliani claims Infantino's critics are 'jealous' of his accomplishments.
•New Zealand's football federation is the latest to withdraw support for Infantino.
•Infantino's proposal to involve private investors was recently abandoned.
•UEFA and several nations have publicly stated they do not support his re-election.
•CAF and CONMEBOL continue to endorse Infantino for a fourth term.

Latest Updates

2:48 PMYahoo Sports — White House official: Infantino's critics need to 'get head examined'

What they're saying

"
Under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino has taken the governing body to a “whole new level” which has left his critics “jealous”, according to Andrew Giuliani, who was executive director for the White House Task Force on the 2026 World Cup. New Zealand’s football federation became the latest organization to withdraw its support for the Infantino’s re-election next year as he continues to lose global support over his aborted plan to sell off a stake in the World Cup to private investors.
— Yahoo Sports

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Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 2:48 PM
White House official: Infantino's critics need to 'get head examined'
Under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino has taken the governing body to a “whole new level” which has left his critics “jealous”, according to Andrew Giuliani, who was executive director for the White House Task Force on the 2026 World Cup. New Zealand’s football federation became the latest organization to withdraw its support for the Infantino’s re-election next year as he continues to lose global support over his aborted plan to sell off a stake in the World Cup to private investors.

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