England and Wales Withdraw Support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA Re‑election Bid

The English Football Association is reportedly preparing to join the Football Association of Wales in withdrawing its backing for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s campaign to remain in office from 2027 to 2031.

A source familiar with the matter said on Monday that the English FA will no longer support Infantino’s bid for a fourth term.

The move comes shortly after FIFA abandoned a controversial plan to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling an estimated 20 percent stake in a new entity that would oversee global competitions, including the World Cup.

The proposal was dropped on Friday following strong opposition from football stakeholders and several continental confederations.

With the investment plan shelved, attention has turned to how the decision might affect Infantino’s political future and his chances of securing another term.

Wales became the first national federation to formally withdraw its support, issuing a statement that accused the FIFA president of a series of leadership and governance failures.

The Football Association of Wales 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 Football Association of Wales

The Welsh FA added that recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement had led to a loss of confidence in Infantino’s ability to lead world football.

FIFA had not publicly responded to the Welsh FA’s decision at the time of reporting.

Pressure on Infantino has increased after UEFA and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) both said they had lost confidence in his leadership.

UEFA led the opposition to the proposed private‑investment plan and welcomed FIFA’s decision to scrap it. The European governing body also reportedly issued a document preservation order, signalling that it anticipates a possible legal investigation.

Infantino, who succeeded Sepp Blatter in 2016, announced in April 2024 that he would seek another term. He has been re‑elected unopposed twice and was previously viewed as a near‑certain candidate for the 2027‑2031 term.

However, the growing opposition and the backlash over the failed investment proposal could complicate his bid ahead of the FIFA Congress scheduled for March 2027 in Morocco.

Analysts quoted by Reuters noted that the controversy has exposed rising dissatisfaction among some FIFA members, raising fresh questions about whether Infantino can secure another term without facing opposition.