Israel withdraws support for embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino

Support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino appears to be gradually eroding following his controversial proposal to privatize the World Cup, an initiative that ultimately failed to move forward. Now, Israel has also withdrawn its support for the powerful figure in world soccer, one year before a new election for the FIFA presidency.

In a letter sent by Israel Football Association Chairman Shino Moshe Zuares, the IFA informed FIFA that it was withdrawing its previous letter of support for Infantino.

“The recent developments have caused an unprecedented crisis of trust, which we still hope can be resolved between the vision of UEFA and other confederations and that of FIFA regarding the management of world soccer,” Zuares wrote.

“The division between the sides appears deep, substantive and fundamental, and is forcing all stakeholders to reconsider the way forward.

'We have no choice but to withdraw our previous letter of support'

“Under the circumstances that have arisen, we have no choice but to withdraw our previous letter of support, in the sincere hope that productive dialogue between all parties will ultimately restore a shared and appropriate vision and direction for world soccer.”

Israel’s decision comes as Infantino heads toward another FIFA presidential election, with the governing body facing growing tensions over the direction of the sport and the relationship between FIFA and the continental confederations.