Small nations hold big cards as FIFA chief Infantino scrambles for support

MELBOURNE, Aug 3 : Gianni Infantino’s hopes of extending his FIFA presidency may rest less on winning back soccer's traditional powers than on calling in favours from the many small and emerging nations that rely heavily on the world governing body's largesse.Infantino is facing the biggest crisis of his decade-long tenure after regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF declared no confidence in his leadership following the abortive proposal to bring private equity into the World Cup.He confirmed his intention to stand for a fourth term at next year's Congress in April but the pressure on Infantino may not wait until the election.Wales on Monday became the first soccer federation to formally withdraw support for Infantino, while European body UEFA confirmed it had written to the 56-year-ol