The Israeli Football Association withdrew its previously announced support for the re-election of Gianni Infantino as president of FIFA, a move reflecting the escalating crisis of confidence surrounding the head of the international organization.
According to Sky News, citing a letter from Israeli Football Association President Moshe Zuares, the decision came against the backdrop of growing controversy over FIFA's plans to involve outside investors in some of its commercial assets.
Infantino faced widespread criticism after proposing the idea of selling a stake in the commercial structure associated with the FIFA Forward Enterprise project to investors, before later backing away from his plan.
The letter explained that the Israeli decision stemmed from a crisis of confidence, while simultaneously emphasizing the Union's desire to continue constructive dialogue with the aim of reaching a common vision regarding the future of world football.
This move comes amid increasing pressure on Infantino, after major continental federations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF, expressed their objection to his recent policies, arguing that some of his decisions have weakened confidence in FIFA's leadership.
Previous reports revealed that Infantino had considered separating the management of the World Cup into an independent company and selling a stake of between 20 and 30 percent of it to private sector investors, before abandoning the idea following a wave of criticism.
With Israel withdrawing its support, Infantino faces additional pressure ahead of the FIFA presidential elections, at a time when the circle of federations expressing reservations about his management of the international federation is widening.
