The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) has officially withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, becoming the latest national football federation to distance itself from the embattled football chief following the collapse of his controversial World Cup private equity proposal.
In a statement announcing the decision, the Serbian federation said it had initially backed Infantino’s re-election by providing written support on May 25. However, it said recent developments had severely undermined confidence in both the FIFA president and the world football governing body.
“We remind you that we provided written support to Mr. Infantino on May 25 of this year, but after carefully assessing the events that have seriously damaged the reputation and credibility of both FIFA and its president in the recent period, this is the only logical and rational step,” the Football Association of Serbia said.
The latest withdrawal adds to mounting pressure on Infantino after his proposal to sell a 20 per cent stake in FIFA’s commercial rights—including the FIFA World Cup and other flagship competitions—to private investors sparked a global backlash from football’s major stakeholders.
The proposal, which was eventually abandoned by Infantino, had triggered fierce opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, with UEFA’s 55 member associations threatening to boycott FIFA competitions if the plan had proceeded. Several national football associations have since begun withdrawing their endorsements for Infantino’s planned re-election campaign.
Explaining its decision, the Serbian federation stressed that the future governance of world football must be built on transparency, consultation and mutual respect rather than unilateral decision-making.
“The Football Association of Serbia believes that the future of world football must be based on transparency, dialogue, mutual respect, and a partnership among all confederations and national associations,” the statement read.
It further argued that major decisions affecting the global game should only be taken after extensive consultation with football stakeholders.
“We believe that no decision of strategic importance for the future of football should be made without broad consensus and open consultations with all relevant stakeholders,” the federation stated.
While withdrawing its support for Infantino personally, the Serbian football body reaffirmed its commitment to working with FIFA, UEFA and other national associations to promote the development of football worldwide.
“The Football Association of Serbia remains committed to cooperation with FIFA, UEFA, and all national associations for the development and improvement of football, but believes that at this moment, new trust, a new approach, and leadership are needed that will contribute to the restoration of dialogue, unity, and credibility of international football institutions,” the statement added.
