Mexico defies Concacaf, backs Infantino as FIFA faces World Cup revolt

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) announced on Thursday night that it will back FIFA president Gianni Infantino, directly opposing the United States, Canada and other Concacaf members. The statement came after Concacaf joined a global revolt against Infantino’s proposed World Cup stake sale.

The FMF released a full statement saying it believes football’s fundamental value lies in institutional integrity and that it will not recognise any process outside the established governance framework. It added that it embraces the call issued by President Infantino on 5 August 2026 to develop football for the benefit of its 211 member associations.

Concacaf had issued its own statement on 30 July, expressing deep concern over the lack of due process and disappointment that the matter was publicised before any discussion with relevant governance bodies. The body stressed that all decisions must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long‑term stewardship.

Infantino has faced a major backlash since his plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup emerged last month, prompting widespread outrage and the eventual abandonment of the proposal. The failed plan was described as a profound abuse of presidential power.

UEFA reiterated on Thursday that it has lost confidence in Infantino and threatened to maintain its boycott of the World Cup until the president is removed. The European body said any future participation would require assurances that similar attempts will never be made again.

Following Mexico’s declaration, the Argentine federation also voiced support for Infantino’s management over the past ten years, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reaffirmed its backing of the president in recent days.

FIFA announced that after crisis talks in Morocco, members of its council gave full support to Infantino, while also issuing an apology letter to various football associations and promising a review of the abandoned World Cup plan.

FIFPRO, the global union for professional footballers, issued a withering statement condemning the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme and calling for urgent governance reforms, stating that the withdrawal of the plan did not restore confidence.

Donald Trump denied any knowledge of Infantino’s plan to sell off the World Cup, adding that the withdrawal of the proposal was inevitable but did not erase what it revealed.

By MAX WINTERS, US DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR and MIKE KEEGAN, CHIEF SPORTS REPORTER and BOBBY MANZI, FOOTBALL REPORTER and MICHAEL PAVITT, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 01:43 BST, 7 August 2026 | Updated: 01:43 BST, 7 August 2026