According to L'Equipe, the Qatar Football Association continues to support Gianni Infantino, and Nasser has no intention of running for FIFA president.
In early August, at the height of the controversy, Gianni Infantino received public support from the Qatar Football Association. The Qatar Football Association, acting on instructions from higher authorities, sided with Infantino, a move related to his consistent efforts to protect Qatar's interests since being elected FIFA president in 2016.
At the time, Qatar, which had already won the right to host the 2022 World Cup, faced numerous criticisms, accused of manipulating the bidding process behind the scenes, abusing workers at the stadium construction site, and organizing a tournament that was deemed environmentally unfriendly and homophobic. Gianni Infantino, after moving his family to Qatar, shielded the country from these criticisms, and now his efforts have paid off.
Despite being a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which is now hostile towards Gianni Infantino, the Qatar Football Association has chosen to support him. This stance is reportedly driven by Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the brother of the current Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is a close friend of the FIFA president and has consistently provided him with support.
This also hindered Nasser Al-Khlefi's chances of running for FIFA president. Al-Khlefi is the president of Paris Saint-Germain and the European Club Association. UEFA president Alexander Ceferin, who has close ties with him, had hoped that Al-Khlefi would challenge Gianni Infantino and considered him the most suitable opponent.
Nasser was long ridiculed for Qatar's disorganized investment in Paris Saint-Germain, but he has changed public perception and gradually earned respect. His leadership of PSG in consecutive Champions League titles and his role as a leader within the European Club Association have made him a force to be reckoned with. If Nasser were to run for office, his dual Arab and European background could potentially unite various factions, making him a suitable candidate.
Nasser's formal withdrawal from the race brought a sigh of relief to Infantino, who considered Nasser a formidable opponent. However, Nasser's spokesperson stated, "Mr. Al-Khlefi has no ambition, intention, or interest in the FIFA presidency, nor is he concerned with the media frenzy surrounding it. Instead, he will continue to support all institutions of European and world football in a prudent and constructive manner."
This is also to avoid provoking any party and to safeguard Qatar's interests.
