Serbia, Sweden join Wales in withdrawing support for Infantino

Serbia, Sweden join Wales in withdrawing support for Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing growing pressure. After FIFA's commercial proposal was scrapped, one national football association after another has expressed no-confidence in him. Following Wales's lead, Serbia and Sweden have now withdrawn their support for Infantino's re-election bid for a new term. Meanwhile, the English Football Association is also set to make the same decision.

The FIFA chief had proposed a controversial plan to sell approximately 20 percent of the World Cup tournament's shares to private investors for $4.2 billion. However, FIFA was forced to back down from the plan on Friday following strong opposition from various football associations. Since then, a strong reaction has been created in world football governance.

The Football Association of Serbia said in a statement that although Infantino was supported in May, recent events have severely tarnished the image of FIFA and its president. Therefore, there was no alternative but to withdraw support.

The Swedish Football Federation said at its emergency board meeting that due to FIFA's lack of good governance, transparency and management, they no longer have any confidence in Infantino.

The Football Association of Wales has made it clear that they cannot accept giving priority to issues other than the welfare of world football.

Regional football bodies UEFA and CONCACAF had earlier expressed no-confidence in Infantino's leadership. Additionally, according to a Reuters report citing the New York Post, an embattled Infantino had sought the assistance of US President Donald Trump but was unable to establish contact with him.