The English Football Association is to withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, deepening the crisis surrounding the organisation’s leader after the collapse of his plan to sell stakes in the commercial rights to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
England’s decision follows that of the Football Association of Wales, which became the first national association to announce that it no longer backed Infantino. Other European football bodies are expected to consider taking similar action in the coming days.
The Times reported that the English FA will retract a previous letter supporting Infantino’s continuation in office. The move is a significant indication of the growing loss of confidence in the FIFA president among European associations.
Infantino has faced intense criticism since his proposal to offer private-sector investors a share in the commercial rights to FIFA-run tournaments fell apart. The plan was formally abandoned after a strong backlash from continental and national football associations.
UEFA said in an official statement that several countries, including England and Wales, had been prepared to boycott future World Cups if the project went ahead. That opposition prompted FIFA to abandon the proposal quickly.
The dispute is expected to damage Infantino’s attempt to secure another term as FIFA president, with the next election due to take place in 2027.
England and Wales’ withdrawal of support could mark the start of a wider “domino effect”, with further football authorities potentially following their lead. Calls for Infantino to leave his position have been growing within Europe as the consequences of the commercial rights plan continue to unfold.
Wales acted first, with England now becoming the second national association to distance itself from the FIFA president. Their decisions point to a weakening of the European support base that had been one of the main foundations of Infantino’s influence since he took over as FIFA president in 2016.
The European backing was considered an important source of strength for Infantino during his time leading football’s world governing body. The latest developments, however, suggest that support is becoming increasingly fragile.
The controversy has turned an ambitious commercial initiative into a political challenge to Infantino’s leadership. What was intended to expand the value of FIFA’s competitions has instead triggered opposition from associations concerned about the direction of the organisation and the potential consequences for future World Cups.
With the 2027 presidential election approaching, Infantino’s position has entered a period of unprecedented uncertainty. The English FA’s planned withdrawal, following Wales’ decision, raises the prospect of additional European associations reconsidering their backing and adds further pressure to the FIFA president.
