KNVB pulls confidence from FIFA boss Infantino after UEFA criticism
In the quiet offices of the KNVB in Zeist, a terse statement appeared on X, signalling a decisive break with FIFA leadership. The Dutch football association announced that it no longer trusts the organisation’s boss, Gianni Infantino, after a recent UEFA rebuke.
The KNVB’s declaration follows a similar move by UEFA, which earlier issued a hard‑line statement withdrawing confidence in the FIFA boss. By echoing UEFA, the Dutch federation underscored its alignment with other European bodies.
The policy‑maker at the heart of the controversy, Gianni Infantino, is described as increasingly on shaky ground. His leadership has come under growing scrutiny from national associations worldwide.
From Zeist, the federation posted on X: “The KNVB is glad that FIFA has withdrawn the proposal. That is an important and sensible decision. From the start we, together with UEFA and the other European associations, made clear that both the content of the proposal and the way it was created were unacceptable to us.” The statement highlighted the joint stance of European federations against the disputed plan.
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The KNVB added that with Infantino, hard accounting will be applied. It warned that the withdrawal of the proposal does not settle the underlying issue for the Dutch body.
According to the federation, the process has caused a fundamental breach of trust in the leadership of FIFA chairman Gianni Infantino, and the KNVB no longer has confidence in his leadership. The loss of confidence is presented as a direct consequence of how the proposal was formulated and presented.
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The KNVB noted that concerns are not limited to external associations but also arise from criticism within FIFA itself. It called for a serious dialogue on the future of FIFA’s governance and stressed that decisions about international football must be made transparently and in consultation with all stakeholders.
Finally, the Dutch federation affirmed its commitment, together with UEFA and worldwide associations, to promote good governance and a strong international game where the sport’s interests remain paramount. The KNVB reiterated that the sport’s welfare will always be placed first in any future arrangements.