FIFA presidency: Qatar and Nasser al-Khelaïfi caught between Infantino loyalty and Ceferin ties | OneFootball

Qatar and Nasser al-Khelaïfi remain aligned with Gianni Infantino, leaving Aleksander Ceferin without his preferred challenger for a possible March contest. Loyalty to the FIFA president outweighs Ceferin ties.

In early August, as pressure peaked, the Qatari federation, acting on instructions from senior leadership, publicly backed the FIFA president, L'Équipe reports. Infantino has defended Qatari interests since his 2016 election.

Designated hosts of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar faced allegations over the bid process, worker welfare, environmental impact and homophobia. Infantino moved his family to the country and acted as a shield, a stance now being repaid.

Although the federation sits within the AFC, which is now hostile to Infantino, it chose loyalty. The move was driven by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, brother of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a close ally seen as the FIFA chief’s protector. That stance limits any potential ambition from Al-Khelaïfi, who leads PSG.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, close to Al-Khelaïfi, had wanted him to face Infantino in March, considering him the best opponent. Back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG and leadership at EFC have strengthened his standing and his ability to unite Arab and European camps.

His official decision to stand aside eased concerns in Infantino’s camp. Al-Khelaïfi has no ambition, intention or interest in the FIFA role or the surrounding media noise, and he will continue to support European and global football institutions in a measured and constructive way.

Source: L'Équipe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”