The Football Association (FA) has reportedly informed FIFA that it is withdrawing its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president, marking another significant setback for the football governing body’s leader.
The decision comes amid growing criticism of Infantino’s leadership following the controversy surrounding FIFA’s now-abandoned proposal to sell a stake in its commercial rights business to private investors. The plan sparked widespread opposition from several football associations, particularly in Europe, over concerns about governance, transparency, and the future direction of the global game.
The FA’s move follows similar actions by other national football associations that have also withdrawn their backing for the Swiss administrator ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for 2027. Reports indicate that several European federations are reassessing their support, although Infantino still retains strong backing from many associations across Africa, Asia, Oceania and other regions.
The latest development adds to the mounting pressure on Infantino, whose administration has faced calls for greater accountability and reforms in FIFA’s governance structure. UEFA and several football stakeholders have continued to demand more transparency in FIFA’s decision-making process following the failed commercial investment proposal.
Despite the growing opposition from parts of Europe, FIFA’s management board recently reaffirmed its confidence in Infantino, who remains the only declared candidate for the 2027 FIFA presidential election.