Ahmed Yahya Backs Infantino After FIFA Proposal Row
FIFA Council member Yahya has backed Gianni Infantino to remain president, insisting the governing body has moved beyond a disputed proposal after Infantino withdrew it and apologised to Executive Committee members.
Council closes ranks after disputed proposal
Yahya said the matter was effectively put aside following Infantino’s apology, allowing the Executive Committee to return to what he described as a constructive discussion on football’s future.
He argued that the priority is now finding practical answers for the global game rather than prolonging internal disagreements. Yahya said the Council is seeking to build on football’s positive developments while remaining within FIFA’s ethical framework, statutes and regulations.
- A contentious proposal triggered debate within FIFA’s leadership.
- Infantino withdrew the proposal and apologised to Executive Committee members.
- The Executive Committee resumed discussions with the issue largely shelved.
- The Council considered further development funding and ordered committee reviews into recent controversies.
- Member associations now face an 18 November deadline to submit presidential nominations.
$25m plan underlines development argument
Yahya pointed to a proposal that would provide every FIFA member association with $25 million across four years. He said that level of support is 25 times greater than the funding available a decade ago.
In his view, the increased money is central to Infantino’s case for continued leadership. Yahya said resources can make a direct difference to young players, including replacing rough gravel and stone surfaces with grass pitches.
He also cited the expanded 48-team World Cup as a major revenue driver, with the additional income intended to benefit smaller football nations as well as established powers.
| Funding measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Proposed allocation per member association | $25 million |
| Funding period | Four years |
| Comparison with a decade ago | 25 times higher |
Equality principles defended as reform pressure grows
Yahya rejected criticism of FIFA’s financial and voting model, maintaining that equal access to funding and one equal vote for each association are fundamental principles of global football governance.
He said FIFA is willing to consider reforms sought by European voices, but believes change must apply throughout the system rather than being directed at only one part of it. Yahya added that Infantino and the Council are open to steps that improve transparency and democratic standards.
Committees told to examine Peace Prize and Balogun issues
The Council also discussed concerns linked to FIFA rules, the Peace Prize and the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s rescinded red card. Yahya confirmed that relevant committees have been asked to assess whether any regulations were breached.
He stressed that the decision to overturn the dismissal came from the Disciplinary Committee, which operates under its own procedural rules. Yahya said reversals of red cards are not unprecedented in football, but accepted that the Council had addressed the complaints and wanted solutions.
What happens next
- FIFA’s relevant committees will investigate the issues raised over potential rule breaches.
- Member associations have until 18 November to formally nominate candidates for the FIFA presidency.
- Infantino appears strongly placed to retain control of the presidency as federations prepare their submissions.
- The Council will continue to follow the committee findings in the coming months.
