The Israel Football Association (IFA) has withdrawn its previous backing for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain president of FIFA, creating another challenge for the football governing body’s long-serving chief.
The IFA formally announced the decision on Tuesday, with its president, Moshe Zuares, communicating the move in a letter to the organization. The decision followed what the IFA described as a serious deterioration in relations between FIFA and UEFA over the way global football is being governed.
Israel has been a UEFA member since 1994, while Zuares also serves on UEFA’s executive committee. The IFA said its board unanimously agreed to withdraw the endorsement.
In the letter, Zuares described the current situation as an “unprecedented crisis of trust” and said disagreements between FIFA and UEFA had become deep and fundamental. He added that the developments had forced football stakeholders to reconsider the direction of the sport’s future leadership.
Infantino had previously sought to use football as a platform for improving relations between Israel and the Palestinians. At a FIFA Congress in Vancouver in April, he attempted to bring Israeli and Palestinian football officials together for a joint photograph. However, Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub declined to stand alongside IFA vice president Bassam Sheikh Suleiman.
Infantino has continued to pursue initiatives involving both sides. A proposed Under-15 tournament in the United States is expected to feature Israel and Palestine in the opening match next month, according to earlier reports.
Israel’s withdrawal is particularly significant because it comes amid growing disagreement between FIFA and several European football associations. England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland have also withdrawn their support for Infantino.
However, Infantino still retains influential backing. U.S. President Donald Trump, a close ally of Israel, recently warned FIFA that removing Infantino would be a “grave mistake.”
Infantino also continues to enjoy support from Argentina, the South American football confederation CONMEBOL, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and several other national associations.
The latest development is therefore unlikely to determine the FIFA election on its own, but it adds to the political pressure surrounding Infantino as he seeks another term at the top of world football.
