The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has become the first national governing body to publicly withdraw its backing of Gianni Infantino's bid for re-election as FIFA President. The move comes days after Infantino dramatically U-turned on proposals to sell off major competitions such as the World Cup.
FIFA had planned to create a private company, open to investment, to run its headline competitions and raise billions of pounds. Reports said the venture was to be led by Joshua Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law. The plans were revealed by the media before some high-ranking FIFA officials had been informed, triggering a severe backlash.
Boycott threat and resignations
UEFA, which runs European football, said it would boycott FIFA competitions until the plans were scrapped, while CONCACAF, its North American counterpart, also criticised the proposals. Key advisers to Infantino resigned in protest.
Infantino is due for re-election in March, but his future at the top of world football now looks in doubt after the latest scandal.
FAW statement
The association told Sky News it "hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr Gianni Infantino, for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027-2031 term."
"The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football," the FAW said. "Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept."
The FAW has written to FIFA to inform them of its position. Other British football associations have yet to follow suit, but all approved the UEFA boycott. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has gone further, saying Infantino is "the wrong man" to lead FIFA.
