A new front is opening in the diplomatic dispute between Spain and Morocco over the future of beleaguered FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, as the two countries compete to host the next World Cup final, weeks after a major migration row.
Infantino is increasingly reliant on African support as he seeks to fend off efforts led by Europe’s football federation, UEFA, to oust him as president of football’s global governing body, following the collapse of his controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments via a new ‘Forward Enterprise’, effectively privatising the organisation’s main commercial activities.
Infantino has been based at FIFA’s regional headquarters in Rabat for most of the time since the conclusion of the World Cup, won by Spain, in July.
An open letter signed on Monday (10 August) by the presidents of the European, Asian ,and North, Central America and the Caribbean regions accused him of “deception” and described the privatisation plan as “a fundamental breach of trust with the very institutions FIFA exists to serve”.
A threat by UEFA to boycott future FIFA competitions also remains in place, and the rebel federations have already held talks about possible rival tournaments.
But the executive committee of the African confederation (CAF) has unanimously confirmed its support for Infantino.
Five of the seven African countries on the FIFA Council – Egypt, Morocco, Niger, Mauritania and Comoros – have publicly supported him.
“He’s not just a good friend. He’s a loyal friend. He’s loyal to Africa,” said CAF president Patrice Motsepe, when backing Infantino for re-election last month.
Spanish anger
Looking back, UEFA was the dominant player in football governance throughout the 20th century.
Europe hosted 10 of the first 18 World Cups, but has only hosted it once since 2006, as the balance of power has shifted.