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The Football Association has formally withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president, intensifying pressure on the embattled football chief despite his public apology over the failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
The decision came after Infantino admitted making “errors” in handling the controversial proposal, but the apology failed to convince the English governing body, which proceeded with its planned withdrawal of support.
The FA joins a growing list of national associations distancing themselves from Infantino. Wales became the first to revoke its backing earlier this week, while Serbia, Sweden and Finland have since followed, signalling widening discontent within European football.
Infantino’s latest troubles stem from his proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise and sell a 20 per cent stake in the commercial rights of FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, to private investors.
The proposal sparked widespread criticism after it emerged that several football bodies were not consulted before the plan was unveiled. Facing mounting opposition, Infantino shelved the proposal last Friday.
UEFA described the initiative as a “shabby, backroom deal” and said it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership. Europe’s governing body also warned it could boycott FIFA competitions, including the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, unless the proposal was abandoned.
Although FIFA announced after an emergency management board meeting in Morocco that senior executives had reaffirmed their confidence in Infantino, the move has done little to ease the growing backlash from football authorities.
The controversy has also drawn criticism from beyond Europe. Global players’ union FIFPRO and South American football confederation CONMEBOL, both previously seen as supportive of Infantino’s administration, have also voiced concerns over the handling of the proposal.
Pressure has mounted from within FIFA itself. Senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned over the plan, while chief operating officer Kevin Lamour reportedly accused Infantino of misleading FIFA staff during the process.
The proposed investment vehicle reportedly identified Thrive Eternal, led by businessman Joshua Kushner, as the principal investor. Joshua Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump, although Trump has denied discussing the proposal with Infantino before it was abandoned.
Despite growing calls for his resignation and an expanding list of critics, Infantino is expected to seek re-election when FIFA holds its presidential election in March 2027.
