Nordic FAs withdraw confidence in Infantino over FIFA governance

The football associations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands have declared that they no longer trust FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The six bodies made their position known in a joint statement issued in Helsinki, while also supporting demands for his resignation and independent inquiries into controversial private equity proposals.

The Nordic associations said FIFA must provide legally binding assurances that its governance system and major competitions, including the World Cup, will not be made available for private ownership in future. Their position places them alongside UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, which have also backed calls for Infantino to leave office.

The dispute centres on FIFA’s governance and decision-making at senior level, as well as concerns about proposals that could allow private interests into the organisation or its competitions. The Nordic bodies said permanent legal safeguards were needed rather than assurances that could later be changed.

Infantino is seeking a fourth term as FIFA president, which would keep him in the role until 2031. His re-election campaign is therefore taking place as opposition to his leadership grows among football organisations in several confederations.

Infantino was in the Dominican Republic during the weekend for discussions with officials from the Caribbean Football Union. His visit came during an Under-14 youth tournament in the region, an event made possible through FIFA’s Forward programme.

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani had asked Infantino not to attend the youth competition because he believed the FIFA president’s presence would draw attention away from the tournament. Infantino defended his decision to be in the country, saying the Forward programme was a reason to take pride in the event and that engagement with Caribbean football leaders remained important.