FIFA President Gianni Infantino Suffers Fresh Blow as Israel Football Association Withdraws Support

The Israel Football Association (IFA) has delivered a significant blow to embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino, officially withdrawing its support for his re-election bid. The move, announced on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, by IFA Chairman Shino Moshe Zuares, intensifies the pressure on Infantino ahead of the March 2027 presidential election, highlighting a growing chasm within global football governance. Lionel Messi Pens Heartfelt ‘Te Amo, Pa’ Tribute to Late Father Jorge Messi on Instagram

The IFA's decision stems from an “unprecedented crisis of confidence” between FIFA, UEFA, and other confederations, primarily ignited by Infantino’s controversial, and ultimately abandoned, plan to sell a significant stake in the World Cup to private investors. This follows the dramatic sacking of FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, on Monday, August 17, 2026, after Lamour publicly criticized the proposed World Cup sell-off plan.

Kevin Lamour's Sacking and the Sell-Off Scandal

Kevin Lamour, who had served as FIFA's Chief Operating Officer since November 2024, was dismissed after less than two years in the role. His departure was confirmed by FIFA, stating that the working relationship ended on August 17, 2026. Lamour had been a vocal opponent of Infantino’s “FIFA Forward Enterprise” (FFE) proposal, which aimed to sell off up to 20% of a new commercial company managing FIFA's major tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors, seeking to raise approximately $4.2 billion from a venture valued at $20 billion (€17.28bn).

In a statement issued on July 31, Lamour described the initiative as “the project of one person” and stated that FIFA's administration had been “deceived” by the plan. He notably declared, “If that means I lose my job, then so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.” The plan was shelved hours after Lamour's public criticism.

Widespread Discontent and Erosion of Support

The IFA's withdrawal of support, communicated in a letter from Chairman Shino Moshe Zuares, highlights the deep-seated divisions now permeating world football's top echelons. Zuares stated that the rift between UEFA and other confederations and FIFA's vision for global governance is “profound, substantive, and principled, and compelling all stakeholders to reconsider the path forward.”

The Israeli federation is not alone in its dissent. Other UEFA members, including England, Wales, Scotland, Finland, and Serbia, have also retracted their backing for Infantino. A Premier League chief, speaking on the unfolding situation, reportedly stated that Infantino had “hit self-destruct.”

Key Events Leading to Current Crisis:

• July 31, 2026: FIFA COO Kevin Lamour publicly criticizes Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan; plan shelved hours later.
• August 17, 2026: Kevin Lamour's working relationship with FIFA officially ends (sacked).
• August 18, 2026: Israel Football Association withdraws support for Gianni Infantino.
• March 18, 2027: Next FIFA Presidential Election scheduled.

Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is facing growing calls for an independent review of his conduct. Furthermore, human rights organization FairSquare has formally challenged his eligibility to run for a fourth term, arguing that FIFA previously violated its own statutes regarding presidential term limits. Donald Trump Warns FIFA Against Replacing Embattled President Gianni Infantino

The latest developments underscore a critical period for FIFA as its leadership faces intense scrutiny and dwindling support from key member associations, signaling a potentially turbulent road ahead for the organization and its president.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2026 07:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).