The Football Association of Wales has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election, becoming the first national federation to publicly distance itself from his leadership.
The decision follows FIFA’s withdrawal of a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors after widespread opposition from football stakeholders across the globe.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Welsh FA confirmed it would no longer support Infantino’s candidature for the 2027–2031 FIFA presidential 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 2027–2031 term,” the association said.
The federation said recent events had exposed serious shortcomings in FIFA’s governance and leadership under Infantino.
“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.”
The move comes days after Infantino shelved the World Cup investment proposal, which had triggered strong criticism from football federations, supporters and governance advocates worldwide.
Critics argued that allowing private investment in football’s biggest tournament would undermine the integrity and long-term interests of the global game.
Although FIFA abandoned the proposal, the fallout has intensified scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership ahead of next year’s election.
The FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, in March 2027, where Infantino is expected to seek another term despite growing opposition.If you intended a different headline, send it and I’ll rewrite the story under that exact headline.
(The Sun)