Greek federation withdraws its backing

The Greek Football Federation has publicly withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, adding to the growing opposition confronting the organisation’s leader.

Makis Gagatsis, president of the Hellenic Football Federation, confirmed the decision after a meeting of UEFA’s Executive Committee in Thessaloniki.

“The Greek FA has taken a clear position against a candidacy of Gianni Infantino,” Gagatsis said in comments reproduced by Reuters through CNA.

Gagatsis referred to incidents during the 2026 World Cup that he considered unacceptable to the football public. He also highlighted the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise project, which explored selling private investors a minority stake in a commercial company controlling rights connected to FIFA competitions.

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According to TV 2 Sport’s account of the announcement, Greece is the latest association to distance itself from Infantino following months of turmoil.

Failed commercial project damaged trust

FIFA Forward Enterprise would have allowed private investors to acquire approximately 20 per cent of a FIFA-controlled commercial company linked to tournament revenues, including the World Cup.

Infantino argued that the project could generate additional money for football development without surrendering control over sporting decisions. The proposal nevertheless triggered fierce resistance because it became public before being fully presented to FIFA’s Council and 211 member associations.

UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation were among its leading critics. FIFA withdrew the proposal in July and later acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the way the process was handled.

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Gagatsis said the Greek federation was clearly opposed to a programme involving the sale of World Cup rights and had therefore withdrawn its support for the president.

That decision concerns the Greek federation’s position in the 2027 presidential election. It is not a formal vote of no confidence capable of removing Infantino from office immediately.

UEFA seeks a credible challenger

UEFA has increasingly argued that FIFA requires a change in leadership because confidence in Infantino has been damaged. However, identifying a candidate capable of defeating the incumbent remains a major obstacle.

Former Germany team director Oliver Bierhoff also supported UEFA’s position during the event in Thessaloniki. He argued that football already has a large commercial dimension but remains a shared asset that must be protected.

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Danish football president Jesper Møller, a member of UEFA’s Executive Committee, has said he will continue working with European colleagues to find a candidate capable of securing a majority.

Potential challengers have until November 18 to enter the contest. The election is scheduled to take place in Rabat in March 2027.

Infantino received endorsements from more than 200 of FIFA’s 211 associations earlier in the campaign, although several federations have subsequently changed their position. Sources cited by international media still believe he retains enough support to win.

Symbolic setback with an uncertain electoral impact

The Greek decision matters because it strengthens the appearance of a more unified European challenge. It also shows that earlier declarations of support cannot necessarily be treated as permanent commitments.

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Yet FIFA presidential elections are decided by all 211 member associations, each holding one vote. European opposition alone will not be sufficient if Infantino maintains strong backing in Africa, South America and large parts of Asia.

FIFA’s senior management publicly reaffirmed its support for Infantino following a crisis meeting in Morocco in August. The president has since proposed an independent external review of the organisation’s governance framework, an initiative that may be discussed by the FIFA Council on October 15.

Greece’s withdrawal therefore increases the political pressure without determining the outcome. The decisive question is whether UEFA can transform dissatisfaction into a credible candidacy supported beyond Europe.

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