A growing coalition of nations from Africa and Asia has declared support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, even as pressure from major European federations mounts for him to resign ahead of March's presidential election.

Among those backing Infantino are Qatar, the UAE, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Kuwait, Egypt, and Morocco — seven of a reported 15 nations said to remain in the president's corner. The publicly declared supporters span two confederations, a detail that carries considerable weight in the unfolding power struggle at football's governing body.

A vote is a vote

FIFA's electoral system grants each of its 211 member associations one vote, regardless of size, wealth, or footballing pedigree. Spain, Brazil, England, and Argentina hold exactly the same influence at the ballot box as Vanuatu, Guam, the Bahamas, or Aruba. That reality makes the backing of smaller nations every bit as strategically significant as winning over the sport's traditional powerhouses.

The crisis gripping FIFA escalated last week when Infantino's proposal to introduce private investment into the World Cup was made public. Three confederations — AFC (Asia), CONCACAF (North America, Central America, and the Caribbean), and UEFA (Europe) — pushed back strongly, with UEFA threatening a full boycott should the plans go forward. Senior FIFA officials also distanced themselves publicly from the scheme. Infantino eventually abandoned the proposal on Saturday.

Cracks within confederations

The support from Qatar, the UAE, and other AFC members is particularly telling. Their confederation had formally opposed the private-investment plan, yet these nations have chosen to endorse Infantino personally — a split that signals the presidential race could prove far tighter than a simple confederation-by-confederation headcount might suggest.

Those issuing statements in Infantino's favour have generally acknowledged his decision to withdraw the contentious proposal while arguing that elements of his broader vision for the game merit continued discussion. FIFA funding has long been a lifeline for smaller and less-wealthy member associations, and Infantino has consistently expanded that financial support during his tenure.

Meanwhile, formal opposition to Infantino's re-election has coalesced around a bloc that includes England, Wales, Denmark, and Sweden. No challenger has yet stepped forward to mount an official campaign for the presidency, leaving the field — and the outcome — far from settled ahead of March's vote.