FIFA president ‘offered to fulfil Mexico’s wish to switch confederations’ in return for election vote: Report

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

Fresh claims have emerged linking FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s efforts to secure political backing ahead of the next FIFA presidential election with another major footballing proposal. This time, the reports centre on Mexico, with suggestions that the country’s long-discussed move away from CONCACAF and into South American football could form part of the negotiations.

Report links CONMEBOL proposal to FIFA election support

According to Marca, citing Mexican journalist Martín del Palacio, Infantino has offered to help the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) leave CONCACAF and join CONMEBOL in exchange for the federation’s backing in the next FIFA presidential election.The report claims the FMF’s support is viewed as politically important as Infantino seeks to retain the FIFA presidency following growing scrutiny over his leadership. According to del Palacio, the proposed confederation switch would depend on Infantino remaining in office, with the reported offer tied directly to securing Mexico’s support.Neither FIFA nor the Mexican Football Federation has publicly commented on the claims.

Why a move appeals to Mexico

A potential switch to CONMEBOL has long been viewed by many within Mexican football as an attractive sporting prospect.Regular competitive matches against traditional South American powers such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia are seen as an opportunity to raise the national team’s competitive level while exposing players to stronger opposition on a more consistent basis.According to the report, the FMF also believes participation in CONMEBOL competitions could increase the commercial value of the national team and create additional sponsorship opportunities.The reported discussions come against the backdrop of growing tension between FIFA and several continental confederations following the collapse of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.

Major hurdles remain

Even if such discussions were taking place, moving confederations would involve far more than a political agreement.The proposal would require approval through multiple football governance channels before any change could become possible.There are also significant logistical challenges. Mexican clubs would face substantially longer travel commitments if they participated in competitions such as the Copa Libertadores or Copa Sudamericana, while the national team would have to manage more demanding travel schedules across South America.The report also notes that the FMF would need to address existing commercial agreements linked to El Tri’s regular matches in the United States, where the national team consistently attracts large crowds and generates significant revenue.

Latest claim in growing political controversy

The report adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Infantino as he seeks support ahead of FIFA’s next presidential election.In recent days, separate media reports have also alleged that Morocco was offered the opportunity to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final in exchange for political backing, claims that FIFA has categorically denied.Unlike those allegations, neither FIFA nor the FMF has publicly responded to the latest report regarding Mexico’s possible move to CONMEBOL.