--- title: "Arab Football Association backs FIFA president Infantino" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/arab-football-association-backs-fifa-president-infantino" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/arab-football-association-backs-fifa-president-infantino" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/arab-football-association-backs-fifa-president-infantino.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/arab-football-association-backs-fifa-president-infantino" category: "Politics" area: "Africa" published: "2026-10-02T16:25:11.619Z" source_reported: "2026-10-02T15:14:00.000Z" updated: "2026-10-02T16:25:11.619Z" trust_score: 42 critic_score: 57 hype_score: 41 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-10-02T17:15:31.823309+00:00" --- # Arab Football Association backs FIFA president Infantino *The 22-nation body issued a statement of support for Gianni Infantino after a board meeting.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to UAFA, with two independent outlets and a named body. - Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. Most outlets used digests, limiting the depth of reporting and ability to quote affected parties. - Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise support for Infantino, with some suggesting a power struggle or isolation of opponents. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - The Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), comprising 22 national associations from Asia and Africa, has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino. - Infantino is seeking re-election in March and has faced criticism since July over a failed proposal to sell World Cup stakes. - Switzerland, Infantino's home country, withdrew its support citing integrity concerns, while UEFA plans to present a rival candidate. - The UAFA stated that Infantino has strengthened the unity of the global football community and expanded its reach. The Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA) has announced its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino as he prepares for re-election in March. The 22-nation body, which includes national associations from Asia and Africa, issued a statement following a board meeting in Jeddah. According to the UAFA, Infantino has strengthened the unity of the global football community and expanded its reach. Infantino has faced scrutiny since July over a proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, a plan that was later dropped. His home country, Switzerland, formally withdrew its support for him in the week prior to the UAFA announcement, citing concerns over integrity, accountability, and transparency. European football's governing body, UEFA, has stated its intention to present a rival candidate before the November deadline for nominations. ## Disagreement on Infantino's tenure While the UAFA stated that Infantino has strengthened the unity of the global football community over the past decade, some reports indicate a power struggle is underway. The Frankfurter Allgemeine reported that a power struggle is raging before the next presidential election, and the Arab associations are expressing themselves. The Star Kuala Lumpur, citing Reuters, also reported the UAFA statement. The Egyptian Gazette noted that six heads of Arab associations, including Qatar and Morocco, had previously announced their backing for Infantino in August. ## What the coverage left out None of the left-rated reports mention that Switzerland formally withdrew its support for Infantino citing integrity concerns, a detail present in the full report from Africa News. None of the right-rated reports mention that UEFA plans to present a rival candidate before the November deadline, a detail present in the full report from Africa News. ## Who covered it Shares of the 16 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 13% (2) - Centre: 43% (7) - Right: 44% (7) 25 of 41 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-02T17:15:31.823309+00:00. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 7 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-02T18:00:43.698Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - The left-rated reports led on the UAFA's backing of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Africa News reported that the UAFA says it is backing embattled FIFA head Gianni Infantino in his bid for re-election next year. It noted that Infantino has been under fire since July over a failed proposal to sell World Cup stakes and that his home country, Switzerland, formally withdrew its support citing integrity concerns. Zeit Online also reported on the UAFA's support for Infantino, framing it as a 'Fifa Power Fight'. ### Centre - Centre-rated reports focused on the UAFA's statement of support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino amidst criticism. Ekstra Bladet reported that the Arab Federations Maintain Infantino Support, noting that while UEFA has lost confidence, Infantino remains strong in other parts of the world. Reuters reported the UAFA expressed its support after a board meeting. City AM highlighted that Arab nations rallied behind Infantino, leaving UEFA isolated. ANSA reported the UAFA reiterated its support and appreciation for Infantino, stating he has strengthened unity within the world football community. ### Right - Right-rated reports highlighted the support Infantino received from Arab associations. Het Laatste Nieuws reported significant support for Gianni Infantino, with 22 countries of the Arab Union rallying behind the FIFA boss. Kurier stated that support for FIFA boss Infantino is growing, noting the presidential election is due next year. Kronen Zeitung reported Infantino Wins Arab Associations for Itself, quoting that 'Gianni Infantino has strengthened the unity of the world's football community over the past ten years'. n-tv reported that Arab associations remain true to Gianni Infantino, despite criticism from large parts of the football world. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - high: 12 - unknown: 25 - veryHigh: 4 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [voetbalprimeur.be](https://voetbalprimeur.be/nieuws/2142432/infantino-krijgt-steun-vanuit-de-arabische-hoek.html) — Infantino Receives Support From the Arab World: 22 Countries Rally Behind the FIFA Boss. - [voetbalprimeur.nl](https://voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/2142423/infantino-krijgt-steun-vanuit-de-arabische-hoek.html) — Infantino Receives Support From the Arab World: 22 Countries Rally Behind the FIFA Boss. - [Het Laatste Nieuws](https://hln.be/wk-voetbal/belangrijke-steun-voor-gianni-infantino-22-landen-van-de-arabische-unie-scharen-zich-achter-fifa-baas~acc7073e) — Significant Support for Gianni Infantino: 22 Countries of the Arab Union Rally Behind FIFA Boss - [Africa News](http://africanews.com/2026/10/02/union-of-arab-football-associations-backs-fifa-chief-infantino) — Union of Arab Football Associations backs FIFA chief Infantino - [FC Inter 1908](https://fcinter1908.it/ultimora/fifa-luafa-ribadisce-il-sostegno-al-presidente-gianni-infantino) — FIFA Reiterates Its Support for President Gianni Infantino - [Actualno.com](https://actualno.com/football/nameri-se-koj-da-podkrepi-djani-infantino-v-bitkata-za-prezidentskija-post-na-fifa-news_2645870.html) — Find Someone to Support Gianni Infantino in the Fight for the FIFA Presidency - [zdfheute.de](https://zdfheute.de/sport/fussball-infantino-unterstuetzung-uafa-arabische-verbaende-100.html) — FIFA Power Struggle: Arab Associations Support Infantino - [City AM](https://cityam.com/arab-nations-rally-behind-infantino-leaving-uefa-isolated-in-bid-to-oust-fifa-president) — Arab nations rally behind Infantino, leaving Uefa isolated in bid to oust Fifa president - [Egyptian Gazette](https://egyptian-gazette.com/sports/union-of-arab-fas-expresses-support-for-infantino) — Union of Arab FA's expresses support for Infantino - [firenzeviola.it](https://firenzeviola.it/news/calcio-uafa-ribadisce-sostegno-presidente-fifa-infantino-486275) — UEFA Reiterates Its Support for the President of Fifa, Infantino - [Atlasinfo.fr: l'essentiel de l'actualité de la France et du Maghreb](https://atlasinfo.fr/lunion-des-associations-arabes-de-football-exprime-son-soutien-a-gianni-infantino.html) — The Union of Arab Football Associations Expresses Its Support for Gianni Infantino - [Frankfurter Allgemeine](https://faz.net/aktuell/sport/fussball/fussball-gianni-infantino-erhaelt-unterstuetzung-von-wm-gastgebern-accg-201283428.html) — Football: Gianni Infantino Receives Support From World Cup Hosts - [Index](https://index.hu/sport/futball/2026/10/02/gianni-infantino-fifa-arab-labdarugo-szovetsegek-unioja-tamogatas) — Arab Countries Support FIFA President - [siol.net](https://siol.net/sportal/nogomet/arabski-svet-mocno-podpira-infantina-703014) — The Arab World Strongly Supports Infantino - [Kurier](https://kurier.at/sport/fussball/fifa-gianni-infantino-praesident-unterstuetzung-fussball-einheit/403195332) — "Strengthening Football Unit: Support for FIFA Boss Infantino Is Growing - [Kronen Zeitung](https://krone.at/4317921) — Infantino Wins Arab Associations for Itself - [nemzetisport.hu](https://nemzetisport.hu/minden-mas-foci/2026/10/az-arab-futballszovetsegek-tamogatjak-gianni-infantinot) — Arab Football Federations Support Gianni Infantino - [Zeit Online](https://zeit.de/sport/2026-10/uafa-gianni-infantino-fifa-arabische-fussballverbaende) — Fifa Power Fight: Arab Football Associations Support Fifa President Gianni Infantino - [11freunde.de](https://11freunde.de/wm/gianni-infantino-wird-von-arabischen-staaten-weiter-unterstuetzt-infantino-hat-die-einheit-der-weltweiten-fussball-gemeinschaft-gestaerkt-a-7a39fc64-c381-4b3b-872a-db03aded58b4) — Gianni Infantino Continues to Be Supported by Arab States: "Infantino Has Strengthened the Unity of the World's Football Community - [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/sport/federatiile-arabe-de-fotbal-isi-reafirma-sprijinul-pentru-gianni-infantino-inaintea-alegerilor-fifa-23818304) — Arab Football Federations Reaffirm Support for Gianni Infantino Before FIFA Elections - [onetz.de](https://onetz.de/sport/arabische-afrikanische-verbaende-stuetzen-infantino-id5519600.html) — Arab and African Associations Support Infantino - [noz.de](https://noz.de/sport/weitere-sportarten/artikel/arabische-und-afrikanische-verbaende-stuetzen-infantino-51533143) — Arab and African Associations Support Infantino - [saarbruecker-zeitung.de](https://saarbruecker-zeitung.de/sport/fussball/auslandsfussball/arabische-und-afrikanische-verbaende-stuetzen-infantino_aid-155851971) — Controversial FIFA Boss: Arab and African Associations Support Infantino - [volksfreund.de](https://volksfreund.de/sport/fussball/auslandsfussball/arabische-und-afrikanische-verbaende-stuetzen-infantino_aid-155851967) — Controversial FIFA Boss: Arab and African Associations Support Infantino - [wz.de](https://wz.de/sport/fussball/international/arabische-und-afrikanische-verbaende-stuetzen-infantino_aid-155851963) — Arab and African Associations Support Infantino - [Milan News](https://milannews.it/news/calcio-uafa-ribadisce-sostegno-presidente-fifa-infantino-631513) — The Union of Arab Football Associations Reiterates Its Support for Infantino - [L'ÉQUIPE](https://lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/L-union-des-associations-arabes-de-football-apporte-son-soutien-a-gianni-infantino/1722780) — Union of Arab Football Associations Supports Gianni Infantino - [n-tv](https://n-tv.de/sport/fussball/Arabische-Verbaende-bleiben-Gianni-Infantino-treu-id31373596.html) — Power Struggle at FIFA: Arab Associations Remain True to Gianni Infantino - [ΑΘΗΝΑ 9,84](https://athina984.gr/2026/10/02/i-enosi-aravikon-omospondion-stirizei-ton-tziani-infantino) — The Union of Arab Federations Supports Gianni Infantino - [ouest-france.fr](https://ouest-france.fr/sport/football/fifa/crise-a-la-fifa-il-a-renforce-lunite-gianni-infantino-recoit-le-soutien-des-associations-arabes-de-football-27b5e0a2-be3e-11f1-bc1c-de747933f8a6) — Fifa Crisis. "He Strengthened Unity": Gianni Infantino Receives Support From Arab Football Associations - [sportal.bg](https://sportal.bg/news-2026100208483442566) — Infantino Receives Support From Arab Football Associations - [Reuters](https://reuters.com/sports/soccer/union-arab-fas-expresses-support-infantino-2026-10-02) — Union of Arab FA's expresses support for Infantino - [SABC News](https://sabcnews.com/sabcnews/union-of-arab-football-associations-backs-infantinos-re-election-bid) — Union of Arab Football Associations backs Infantino’s re-election bid - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader. - [Nettavisen](https://nettavisen.no/sport/infantino-stotte-stiller-seg-bak-fifa-sjefen/s/80-95-127122) — Infantino Support: Stands Behind the Fifa Boss - [VG](https://vg.no/sport/i/4Od94G/naa-faar-infantino-stoette-arabiske-land-stiller-seg-bak-fifa-presidenten) — Infantino Now Receives Support – Arab Countries Stand Behind the Fifa President - [ANSA](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/sport/calcio/2026/10/02/calcio-uafa-ribadisce-sostegno-a-presidente-fifa-infantino_54cdccd6-b356-46dd-8989-5172503e286e.html) — Football: Uafa Reiterates Support for President Fifa Infantino - [The Star Kuala Lumpur](https://thestar.com.my/sport/football/2026/10/02/soccer-union-of-arab-fa039s-expresses-support-for-infantino) — Soccer-Union of Arab FA's expresses support for Infantino - [Unknown](https://alquds.co.uk/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%B9%D9%85-%D8%A5%D9%86%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AA) — The Arab Football Union Supports Infantino Before the FIFA Presidential Election. - [Ekstra Bladet](https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/udenlandsk_fodbold/international_fodbold/arabiske-forbund-fastholder-infantino-stoette/11307617) — Arab Federations Maintain Infantino Support - [The Straits Times](https://straitstimes.com/sport/football/union-of-arab-fas-expresses-support-for-infantino) — Union of Arab FA's expresses support for Infantino - [PressNewsAgency](https://pressnewsagency.org/union-of-arab-fas-expresses-support-for-infantino) — Union of Arab FA’s expresses support for Infantino ## Questions **Which football association has backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino?** The Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), which comprises 22 national associations from Asia and Africa, has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This support was announced after a board meeting in Jeddah. **Why has Gianni Infantino faced criticism?** Gianni Infantino has faced criticism since July over a failed proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. His home country, Switzerland, also withdrew its support citing integrity concerns. **What is the UAFA's stated reason for backing Infantino?** The Union of Arab Football Associations stated that Gianni Infantino has strengthened the unity of the global football community and expanded its reach. This statement was made following a board meeting where they reaffirmed their support. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/arab-football-association-backs-fifa-president-infantino. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Arab Football Association backs FIFA president Infantino", https://mediabias.news/politics/arab-football-association-backs-fifa-president-infantino