Growing Revolt Against FIFA President Infantino Over Governance and World Cup Plan
Multiple national football associations, including Wales, England, and Ireland, have withdrawn support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s re-election, citing failures in governance, transparency, and leadership. The revolt follows a failed plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. Meanwhile, six Arab federations and some African/South American blocs back Infantino, revealing a deep split within FIFA’s membership ahead of the 2027 election.
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New Zealand withdraws support for FIFA President Infantino over FFE plan
The New Zealand Football Association has formally withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, citing a breakdown of trust and divisions in world football, and calling for an independent review of the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan. The FFE plan aimed to sell partial rights to FIFA events to private investors. The Oceania Football Confederation, to which New Zealand belongs, welcomed the withdrawal of the FFE plan but did not withdraw its support for Infantino, praising progress under his leadership. Infantino has already lost support from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF. The Football Association of Ireland also withdrew support. Opponents must field a candidate by November 18 to challenge Infantino in the March presidential election. Infantino retains support from the Confederation of African Football, CONMEBOL, and the Oceania Football Confederation.
New Zealand withdraws support for Gianni Infantino; Oceania praises progress
New Zealand Football has formally withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling for an independent review into the development of his failed proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions (FFE). The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), of which New Zealand is a member, praised the 'progress achieved' under Infantino but stopped short of withdrawing support. This follows Infantino being forced to scrap the FFE plan amid widespread opposition. He has already lost backing from UEFA, AFC, and Concacaf. The Football Association of Ireland also withdrew support. Infantino still retains support from CAF, Conmebol, and the OFC. Any opposition candidate must be nominated by November 18 for the March 2027 election.
New Zealand withdraws support for FIFA President Infantino; Oceania confederation praises progress
New Zealand Football has formally withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling for an independent review into the development of his failed proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investors. The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), of which New Zealand is a member, praised the 'progress achieved' under Infantino but stopped short of withdrawing support. Infantino has already lost backing from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and Concacaf. The Football Association of Ireland also withdrew support. Infantino retains support from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Conmebol. The deadline for rival candidates to challenge Infantino in the March 2027 presidential election is November 18, 2026.
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New Zealand withdraws support for Gianni Infantino; Oceania praises progress under FIFA president
New Zealand Football (NZF) has formally withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, citing a breakdown in trust and increased division within international football. NZF called for an independent review into the development of Infantino's now-scrapped proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment (FFE). The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), of which New Zealand is a member, issued a separate statement welcoming the withdrawal of the FFE plan but praising the 'progress achieved' under Infantino's leadership, stopping short of removing its support. Infantino has already lost backing from UEFA, AFC, and Concacaf. The Football Association of Ireland also withdrew support. Infantino retains support from CAF and Conmebol. Any opposition candidate must be nominated by November 18 for the March 2027 election.
Six Arab federations back FIFA chief Infantino amid revolt over World Cup plan
The heads of six Arab football federations—Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Mauritania, Lebanon, and Sudan—expressed full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino on August 13, 2026, as he faces a growing revolt over his failed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors. The statement, signed by four FIFA council members, praised Infantino's leadership and commitment to global football development. The backing comes after UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation issued an open letter criticizing the plan as a 'fundamental breach of trust.' Several national federations, including England, Wales, Ireland, and New Zealand, have withdrawn support for Infantino's re-election in March 2027. Qatar and Lebanon's support for Infantino puts them at odds with the Asian Football Confederation, highlighting a schism within the Asian bloc.
FAI Withdraws Support for FIFA President Infantino; IFA Backs UEFA Stance
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has formally withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, following a board meeting and a letter to FIFA. The FAI had previously indicated support before the post-World Cup controversy. Meanwhile, the Irish Football Association (IFA) of Northern Ireland has not formally withdrawn support but has noted 'wider concerns' and is backing the stance taken by UEFA. This development reflects growing dissent among football governing bodies regarding Infantino's leadership and the controversies surrounding the 2022 World Cup.
Football Association of Ireland Withdraws Support for FIFA President Infantino
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has officially withdrawn its support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA President. Following a board meeting, the FAI retracted a letter of support submitted earlier this year and sent a letter to FIFA explaining its decision. While expressing gratitude for FIFA's support of Irish football, the FAI cited recent events that raised significant concerns regarding governance, transparency, and a lack of meaningful consultation. The FAI noted its own recent governance challenges as a reason for its particular obligation to uphold principles. The announcement was made on August 13 and reported by Hupu News.
English FA Withdraws Support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino
Multiple media outlets report that the English Football Association (FA) is preparing to send a letter withdrawing its support for Gianni Infantino to continue as FIFA President next year. This follows Wales becoming the first country to withdraw support for Infantino, in an attempt to force the FIFA President to step down. The news, sourced from X (formerly Twitter), was published by Hupu Football News on August 3rd. The article also notes a Guardian exclusive that Africa and South America back Infantino, indicating a split in support among FIFA member associations.
Welsh Football Association Withdraws Support for FIFA President Infantino's Re-election
The Football Association of Wales has become the first national football association to formally withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino's re-election as FIFA President for the 2027-2031 term. In a statement to Sky News, the Welsh FA cited recent failures by Infantino in areas including good governance, process, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communication, and judgment. The association stated that these failures have led to a loss of trust and that Infantino is no longer worthy of leading world football. The decision follows a failed attempt by Infantino to sell World Cup shares, which had already eroded confidence in his leadership. The Welsh FA has sent a letter to FIFA informing the organization of its position.