Gianni Infantino is facing a fresh blow to his hopes of staying in charge of world football after the Football Association of Wales (FAW) became the first FIFA member association to withdraw its support for his re-election.
The FAW confirmed it has written to FIFA to remove its backing for Infantino's candidature, saying he had lost the association's confidence. In a statement to Sky News, the FAW said:
"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. The Football Association of Wales has written to FIFA to inform them of their position."
World Cup sell-off backlash
Infantino, who is up for re-election next March, has been fighting for his future since a massive backlash over his plan to "sell off" the World Cup. The project would have created a private company open to investment to run FIFA's competitions, such as the World Cup, and raise billions of pounds.
He later cancelled the plan, but the damage has been done. The proposal was reportedly to be led by Joshua Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law. It was revealed by the media before some high-ranking FIFA officials were even informed of his intentions.
The revelations sparked anger across the sport. UEFA, European football's governing body, said it would boycott FIFA competitions until the plans were dropped, while CONCACAF, its North American counterpart, also criticised the proposal. Key advisers to Infantino also resigned in protest.
FAW backs UEFA boycott
The FAW also backed the UEFA boycott of FIFA competitions in response to Infantino's plans. Other British football associations have yet to follow its lead, but all approved the boycott.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has gone further, saying Infantino is "the wrong man" to lead FIFA. Wales failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but did appear at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
