Mauritania FA Chief Ahmed Yahya Backs Infantino to Remain FIFA President

Mauritanian Football Federation president Ahmed Yahya has come out in support of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying he is still the right man to lead world football after a stormy Council meeting.

Yahya, who sits on the FIFA Council, said Infantino has the backing of most members. He brushed aside European calls for reform and said equal funding and equal voting rights for every nation should stay as they are. He said he welcomes change, as long as it happens at all levels, and that Infantino and the Council are open to steps that improve transparency and democracy.

On the withdrawn FFE plan, Yahya said Infantino said sorry to the Executive Committee. "After finally withdrawing this proposal, President Gianni Infantino apologised to the members of the Executive Committee," Yahya said. 

"This was followed by a responsible debate, during which this issue was more or less shelved. And I believe that, in the interests of football, the Executive Committee is looking ahead and seeking solutions, above all with a positive attitude, by focusing on the good aspects that football has to offer today and trying to move forward."

He pointed to a new package that would give every member association $25 million over four years, which he said is 25 times what was available a decade ago. 

"And today, a proposal was on the table to grant all associations 25 million dollars. Spread over four years, that is 25 times what was available ten years ago. Perhaps further projects will follow, but the key point for us – and to answer your question - is that we see Gianni as the right person to continue leading football."

He also hit back at those who play down the money. "I've said that President Gianni Infantino is taking football forward worldwide. These financial resources, which you are downplaying, can enable young people today to play football on grass pitches rather than on stony or gravel-covered pitches, and that is precisely what matters. It is our responsibility on the FIFA Council to develop football further, but of course whilst upholding ethical standards and complying with FIFA's statutes and rules." 

He also praised the expanded 48-team World Cup for bringing in money for smaller nations.

Yahya said the Council also looked at the row over the rules and the Peace Prize, and the Folarin Balogun red card controversy. He said the relevant committees have been told to check for any rule breaches. "All of this has been addressed," he said. 

"All the issues you raised were discussed in the Council today. And measures have been taken to ensure that the relevant committees look into this. First and foremost, have there been breaches of the rules?"

On the red card, he said the Disciplinary Committee made the call. "Not everyone realises this, because I must remind you: the body that overturned a red card is the Disciplinary Committee. And the Disciplinary Committee bases its decisions on the regulations, as this is clearly stipulated in the Disciplinary Committee's rules of procedure. 

And this also applies in other associations and governing bodies. It is not the first red card to have been rescinded in the history of football. But I repeat once again: we have discussed all of this, and the Council is endeavouring to find solutions to all these problems."

Attention now turns to the presidential race. Associations have until 18 November to send in their nominations, and Infantino looks set to keep his grip on the job.