Gianni Infantino’s future with FIFA is uncertain after the first country said they won’t back his re-election.
A European country has become the first to stop supporting Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election as FIFA president.
Infantino’s reputation took a hit after FIFA had to cancel plans to allow outside investors to buy minor stakes in a new company, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would handle commercial rights for future tournaments.
After many football associations worldwide spoke out against the idea, FIFA completely reversed its decision on Saturday, August 1. UEFA and the FA stood together in rejecting the controversial plan.
Earlier that week, all 55 European member associations had backed a boycott of FIFA events, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
In a statement, Infantino said FIFA had “listened carefully to all views” and decided not to move forward with the FFE proposal.
He explained, “The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was meant to help support our Member Associations and grow football worldwide, especially in countries that need it most. We planned to move ahead only if a majority supported it and after thorough consultation.”
“However, it became clear this plan caused divisions which go against our goal to unite and improve the game. So, we will not proceed. Moving forward, I plan to bring everyone together to grow football everywhere, especially where help is needed most.”
Even though many see canceling the plan as the right choice, Infantino’s role as FIFA president, a position he’s held since February 2016, is now being questioned.
He plans to run again in 2027, but UEFA, Concacaf, and the FA have already called for a review of FIFA’s leadership.
On Monday, August 3, Wales became the first country to publicly withdraw support for Infantino’s re-election.
The Welsh FA told Sky News, “We officially withdraw our support for Mr. Gianni Infantino to be re-elected as FIFA president for 2027–2031.”
They added, “Recent problems with governance, leadership, values, and communication mean that Mr. Infantino has lost our confidence to lead world football. Putting football’s best interests first is something we cannot ignore.”
It’s also reported that the Welsh FA has sent a formal letter to FIFA regarding their stance on Infantino.
The election will take place on March 18 at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, where all 211 member associations will each get one vote.
In addition to UEFA saying it no longer trusts FIFA’s current leadership, the Dutch, German, and Norwegian football associations have also called for change.
The Dutch FA said, “Although the proposal was withdrawn, the process has broken our trust in President Infantino’s leadership. We no longer have confidence in him.”
Norway’s FA president, Lise Klaveness, commented, “It was important for Infantino and FIFA to withdraw this plan, and we are glad they did. But this should be more than just a power struggle. We need to focus on openness and better governance.”
Meanwhile, German FA President Bernd Neuendorf criticized Infantino for acting “alone, without transparency, and irresponsibly against the best interests of football.”