Malawi FA chief backs Infantino, credits FIFA investment for World Cup breakthrough

RABAT, Aug 12 : Malawi's qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup is a result of investment in African football made by FIFA under President Gianni Infantino and why he will likely enjoy the support of the continent, the country's football association President Fleetwood Haiya told Reuters.

Malawi have been the surprise package of the ongoing Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, and earned their World Cup berth by reaching the semi-finals.

Haiya credits Infantino's focus on investing in African football during his tenure, and what he perceives as an attempt to level the playing field, as the reason why he will continue to support the beleaguered FIFA president.

"If you look at what Infantino has achieved when it comes to football development for the undervalued associations, and Africa at large, I would be very surprised if there will be any African association that would not support him," Haiya told Reuters in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

He believes it was correct to withdraw, over governance concerns, Infantino’s controversial proposal to raise about $4.2 billion by selling a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other tournaments.

However, he hopes it is replaced by something that provides poorer member associations with the cash injection they desperately need.

"I still support Infantino. I can assure you that, having worked with him, he is not a guy who will advance his personal interests," Haiya said. "I'm not shaken in terms of my loyalty to him.

"I do believe that every nation which is sober enough and believes in equal opportunity (will support Infantino). He believed in us when we talked to him about grassroots and women's football.

"As a result, Malawi for the first time