Italian football federation withdraws support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino

play
Was Figo right to criticize FIFA president Infantino? (2:23)

The Italian football federation became the latest in a growing list of nations to withdraw its support for embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The FIGC issued a statement on Wednesday saying it would no longer back Infantino's bid for reelection in March because of "the recent initiatives promoted by the FIFA president concerning governance and the development of international competitions."

Infantino has come under increasing pressure to step down over his now-aborted plan to sell stakes in soccer's biggest tournament, the World Cup, to private equity investors. Three of the sport's continental confederations accused him of "deception" and European soccer body UEFA threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions.

"We will continue to work alongside UEFA and the other European federations to promote a vision of soccer based on merit, solidarity, sustainability, and the centrality of fans," FIGC President Giovanni Malagò said.

"We identify with a model of dialogue, listening, and shared responsibility that has, until now, allowed soccer to grow, innovate and at the same time defend its founding principles."

Romania followed suit on Wednesday, with the football federation's executive committee voting not support Infantino for a new mandate.

- Samuel Eto'o: Gianni Infantino was not wrong to propose FIFA private investment
- UEFA set to end FIFA boycott over Infantino's failed World Cup investor plan

"FIFA needs today a new leader who can produce consensus and unity, inspire trust and who has the ability to bring us all together," FRF President Răzvan Burleanu said at the end of the meeting.