England’s Football Association will withdraw its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday, adding to growing opposition from national federations following the collapse of a plan to sell a stake in a new entity overseeing World Cup competitions.
The move would make England the latest major federation to distance itself from Infantino after Wales, Serbia and Sweden publicly withdrew their backing. The FIFA president had appeared set for an uncontested fourth term, but the failed investment proposal has triggered a wave of criticism over governance and decision-making at world football’s governing body.
FIFA’s plan to raise up to $4.2 billion from private investors by selling an estimated 20% stake in a new commercial entity responsible for competitions including the World Cup was abandoned on Friday after strong resistance from stakeholders.
The Football Association of Wales became the first national federation to formally withdraw its support for Infantino’s candidacy for the 2027 to 2031 term.
“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 to 2031 term,” the Welsh FA said in a statement.
“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr. Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football.
“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”
Serbia and Sweden later followed with similar decisions.
“The Football Association of Serbia has withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino for a new term as President of FIFA,” the Serbian federation said.
“We remind that we provided Mr. Infantino with our support on May 25 of this year in written form, but after carefully reviewing the events that, in the recent period, have seriously damaged the image and reputation of both FIFA and its President, this is the only logical and rational decision.”
Sweden’s football federation also announced it would no longer support Infantino after reviewing FIFA’s leadership and governance standards.
“At an extraordinary board meeting on Monday, SvFF has chosen not to support FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the upcoming re-election,” the Swedish federation said.
“This is after a long-term assessment of the development within FIFA and the organisation’s leadership. The decision is based on recurring shortcomings in governance, transparency and management, which means that trust in Gianni Infantino’s leadership no longer exists.”
The growing opposition comes as UEFA and CONCACAF have also expressed concerns over Infantino’s leadership. European football’s governing body, which played a key role in opposing the investment proposal, said it had issued a document preservation order requiring relevant files and communications to be retained as part of potential future investigations.
UEFA has not confirmed reports that it is considering legal action against FIFA over the proposal.
Infantino has also sought support from United States President Donald Trump, according to the New York Post, which reported that the FIFA president had attempted to contact Trump after the investment plan collapsed. FIFA did not immediately comment, while the White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Infantino announced in April that he intended to seek re-election for a fourth term as FIFA president. Since replacing Sepp Blatter in 2016, the Swiss-Italian has been re-elected twice without opposition.
Although his return to office for the 2027 to 2031 term had been widely expected, the backlash over the failed proposal has exposed growing concerns among FIFA members and could make the election campaign more difficult before the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March.
