European football associations are actively withdrawing their support for Gianni Infantino ahead of the upcoming FIFA presidential election, according to reports by The Guardian. The English Football Association, alongside Wales, Serbia, Finland, and Sweden, has moved to block Infantino’s fourth term following intense backlash over a failed plan to sell a World Cup stake to private investors.
English FA Leads Escalation Against FIFA Leadership
The Football Association has confirmed it will write to FIFA to formally rescind its endorsement of Gianni Infantino. According to statements published by The Guardian, the English governing body has consistently condemned the doomed FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme. Although the FA previously backed Infantino—who is slated to helm an extraordinary FIFA congress confirming the United Kingdom’s hosting of the 2035 Women’s World Cup—it joined calls on Saturday for a full and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance.
Regional Federations Fall Out of Line
The Football Association of Wales explicitly confirmed the withdrawal of its backing in a public statement. According to the FAW, recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, and sound judgment mean Infantino has lost the confidence required to remain at the helm of world football. The Football Association of Serbia echoed these sentiments, stating that recent events seriously damaged the reputation and credibility of both FIFA and its president, making withdrawal the only logical step.
Meanwhile, the Swedish Football Association confirmed it would actively oppose Infantino’s candidature in the March election. However, consensus across the continent remains fractured. The Swiss Football Association stopped short of abandoning its countryman, asking instead for another personal exchange of views with the FIFA president while it continues to review developments.
Did You Know?
Only 15 countries have publicly supported Infantino since he shelved the FIFA Forward Enterprise project, though governing bodies across Europe are pushing to build a broad coalition to challenge his re-election.
UEFA Legal Action and Document Preservation Orders
Beyond the political fallout, legal pressure is mounting against FIFA leadership. Lawyers acting for UEFA have ordered Infantino and key staff members—including FIFA chief of global football development Arsène Wenger—to identify, locate, and preserve all documents related to the FFE scheme, according to The Guardian.
UEFA indicated it is actively considering legal action, arbitration, and regulatory complaints arising from the FFE plan. Similar preservation orders have reportedly been sent to Thrive Eternal, the investment firm expected to lead a group taking a 20 percent stake in FFE, and to JP Morgan, which served in an advisory role.
Potential Successors and Global Alliances
While European federations mount a vote of no confidence aimed at forcing Infantino’s resignation, removing the incumbent may require coordinated action from other continents. The Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf have both strongly criticized Infantino, though individual federations outside Europe have yet to formally rescind their support letters.
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has emerged as a potential contender to take over should Infantino be deposed. Montagliani is reportedly in consensus with UEFA and AFC hierarchies that new leadership is required at FIFA.
Pro Tip for Readers
Keep an eye on upcoming extraordinary congress meetings and regional confederation assemblies, as these gatherings will likely determine whether the opposition gathers enough momentum to force an early departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are European FAs withdrawing support for Gianni Infantino?
European associations are pulling their backing following severe controversy over Infantino’s failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors through the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme.
When is the next FIFA presidential election?
The leadership election is scheduled for March, where delegates will vote on the term spanning from 2027 to 2031.
Who might replace Infantino if he resigns?
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is widely viewed as a leading contender to take over, sharing a consensus with UEFA and AFC hierarchies regarding the need for new leadership.
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