FIFA Council Member Ahmed Yahya backs Infantino to proceed main World Soccer

David GOMBE

FIFA Council Member and Mauritanian Soccer Federation President Ahmed Yahya has thrown his weight behind Gianni Infantino, insisting the FIFA President stays the suitable particular person to guide world soccer.

Yahya was chatting with the media in Zurich on Wednesday, October 15, 2026, following the FIFA Council assembly.

The Mauritanian FA boss revealed that the contentious FFE proposal was lastly withdrawn, with Infantino apologizing to members of the Govt Committee.

“After lastly withdrawing this proposal, President Gianni Infantino apologised to the members of the Govt Committee. This was adopted by a accountable debate, throughout which this situation was roughly shelved,” Yahya mentioned.

“And I consider that, within the pursuits of soccer, the FIFA Council is wanting forward and in search of options, above all with a optimistic perspective, by specializing in the nice points that soccer has to supply in the present day and making an attempt to maneuver ahead.”

Yahya pointed to FIFA’s improved monetary assist to Member Associations as proof of Infantino’s management, citing a proposal to grant all associations USD 25 million unfold over 4 years.

“And in the present day, a proposal was on the desk to grant all associations USD 25 million {dollars}. Unfold over 4 years, that’s 25 occasions what was obtainable 10 years in the past,” he famous.

“And that’s as a result of there have been good concepts, such because the 48-team World Cup, which was initially contested by some however has proved important for world soccer, and maybe additional initiatives will observe, however the important thing level for us is that we see Gianni as the suitable particular person to proceed main soccer.”

The FIFA Council member, who hails from Africa, credited Infantino for driving soccer growth globally, particularly via the expanded 48-team World Cup format.

“I’ve mentioned that President Gianni Infantino is taking soccer ahead worldwide. I come from the African continent and know what I’m speaking about. He needs to advertise soccer; he needs everybody to be concerned, and that’s exactly why we expanded the World Cup to 48 groups – and that’s precisely what has delivered outcomes.”

“And these monetary assets, which you might be downplaying, can allow younger folks in the present day to play soccer on grass pitches slightly than on stony or gravel-covered pitches, and that’s exactly what issues. It’s our duty on the FIFA Council to develop soccer additional, however in fact while upholding moral requirements and complying with FIFA’s statutes and guidelines.”

Yahya defended FIFA’s precept of equality, warning in opposition to any transfer that may give richer nations veto rights or widen the hole between developed and creating soccer nations.

“For us, equality is what defines FIFA in the present day: that each one nations are equal. Once we go to the FIFA Congress, everybody has an equal vote, simply as funding is identical for all nations world wide. For me, it’s sacrosanct at FIFA that we uphold this equality.”

“If different issues had been taken into consideration, it may occur that some nations had been granted veto rights. Or that nations that are already richer could be made even richer, while others, that are poorer, turn into even poorer. And I consider that FIFA’s present system is the easiest way to proceed driving the event of soccer ahead.”

On requires reforms from Europe, Yahya mentioned the Council stays open to reforms however insisted they should be utilized in any respect ranges.

“Pay attention, one of many good issues about soccer is its democracy. And the Europeans – a few of them have an opinion, others don’t. And it’s true that our associates, our European brothers, need reforms inside FIFA, however we too are calling for: If reforms are to be carried out at FIFA, then they have to happen in any respect ranges – on the stage of our associations, on the stage of the confederations, and, in fact, on the stage of FIFA itself.”

“However that is clear: President Gianni Infantino and the members of the Council are utterly open to reforms in the present day and to something that may enhance world soccer and make the organisation extra democratic, even higher organised and higher managed.”

Yahya concluded: “I’m sure that Gianni Infantino is the suitable president. The bulk need Gianni Infantino to remain.”

For starters, the FIFA Council is the primary strategic and resolution making physique of Federation of Worldwide Soccer Affiliation (FIF)