England and Wales have become the first nations to publicly withdraw their support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, placing him under growing pressure as he seeks re-election.
The English Football Association and the Football Association of Wales confirmed they have withdrawn support for Infantino's candidacy for the 2027-2031 term. The decision follows the collapse of his plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms, a proposal that sparked global outrage.
European football's governing body UEFA had threatened to boycott all FIFA events, including the World Cup. CONCACAF, which oversees football in North, Central America and the Caribbean, also joined the criticism but stopped short of a boycott. Both confederations issued statements on Saturday criticising the leadership of world football's governing body after Infantino withdrew the plan.
FAW confirms loss of confidence
A Football Association of Wales statement read: “The Football Association of Wales 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. Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”
