More than 200 Associations Support Infantino – DFB Refuses to Sign

DFB as Most Prominent Critic

The DFB and its President Bernd Neuendorf had refused to sign, according to the "Bild" newspaper. "Germany is the most prominent association that has so far not pledged official support," the English newspaper writes. Neuendorf said at the time that "dieser Vorgang nicht zu den Akten gelegt werden darf".

The long-simmering differences between the DFB and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on one side and FIFA on the other have come fully into the open at the latest since the "Folarin Balogun case." UEFA had – sharply, as rarely before – criticized FIFA's behavior and spoke of the crossing of a "red line."

Background: The Balogun Case

The background to the dispute is the lifted ban for US professional Folarin Balogun. The current President of the world governing body had received the formal support of more than 200 countries despite the uproar over the lifted red-card ban for US professional Folarin Balogun, the "Guardian" reported.

Infantino succeeded Joseph Blatter in 2016 and was confirmed in office twice without opposing candidates. So far, Infantino is the only candidate; interested parties must submit their applications by March 18, 2027. This means Infantino's election at the world governing body's Congress on March 18, 2027 in Rabat/Morocco is now all but certain.

Election in March 2027 in Rabat

According to the statutes, another term until 2031 would be his last as FIFA chief. Infantino's last possible re-election until 2031 is currently considered secure due to the declared support of several confederations. Infantino is seeking his re-election as FIFA President in 2027.

The controversy surrounding FIFA and its President is also fueled by the close connection to US President Donald Trump. Trump had intervened in the Balogun case and called Infantino, after which the ban against the US striker was lifted. This intervention had put European associations on alert.

Trump Connection Fuels Controversy

UEFA had criticized the action as the crossing of a red line. The conflict between European associations and the FIFA leadership is not new, but has taken on a new sharpness due to recent events. The DFB and UEFA thus stand alongside a line of European associations that view Infantino's leadership critically.

While formal support from Asia, Africa, and South America is considered assured, the European position remains divided. Most European associations have apparently signed, but some – including Germany – are abstaining. The DFB's stance could have a signaling effect for other European associations.

European Associations Divided

At this point, Infantino can consider his re-election at the FIFA Congress on March 18, 2027 in Rabat/Morocco all but certain. The formal election takes place at the world governing body's Congress, at which all 211 member associations are represented.

The discussion about FIFA's leadership will continue in the coming months. The DFB announced that further steps would be deliberated in its executive committee. It therefore remains open whether the German association will change its position before the Congress in March 2027.

The reports about the letters of support come from the "Guardian" and were picked up by the "Bild" newspaper. Both papers cite sources close to the world governing body. An official statement from FIFA on the reports was not initially available.

Open Questions Before the Congress

The affair shows the deep rifts in international football politics. While Infantino can count on broad support from most confederations, he faces a critical minority in Europe. The coming months until the Congress in Rabat will show whether these fronts will shift.

Overall, the reporting makes clear that Infantino's power base remains intact despite the controversies surrounding the "Balogun case" and the Trump connection. The overwhelming majority of FIFA member associations stands behind him – only a small group of European associations, led by the DFB, refuses formal support.