FIFA President Gianni Infantino Retains Strong Support from Football Associations, Says Close Ally

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, continues to enjoy strong support from the majority of football associations worldwide, according to one of his closest allies, Véron Mosengo-Omba. Mosengo-Omba, president of the Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) and former FIFA chief member associations officer, affirmed that FIFA’s powerful congress remains firmly behind Infantino despite recent controversies surrounding his leadership.

The controversy primarily revolves around Infantino’s FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme, which proposed selling more than 20% of the World Cup rights to private investors. This plan has sparked widespread criticism and concern within the football community, as many question the future commercialization and control of the tournament. While Mosengo-Omba openly criticized the sell-off proposal, he made clear his personal loyalty to Infantino, stating he would “take a bullet” for the FIFA president.

This situation underscores the complex dynamics within FIFA’s governance structure. Although there are internal disagreements regarding the FFE scheme—Mosengo-Omba himself did not support the idea of selling World Cup rights—the congress continues to back Infantino’s leadership. The congress plays a crucial role in FIFA’s strategic decisions, and its support remains vital as the organization navigates these challenges.

The backing from the congress is significant for FIFA’s capacity to manage ongoing debates about the commercialization and governance of football’s flagship event, the World Cup. Maintaining unity among member associations is essential for FIFA as it prepares for future tournaments and financial planning, especially amid growing scrutiny of its policies.

Looking forward, FIFA is expected to address the concerns voiced by its members regarding the FFE plan while striving to strengthen cohesion within the global football community. The outcomes of upcoming FIFA congresses and decisions will be closely watched, as they will shape the organization’s governance and financial direction in the years ahead.

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